The 5 Different Types of Credit Card Users
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- Опубликовано: 28 авг 2024
- Learn more about Sebby's card picks: bit.ly/askcardp... The 5 different levels of credit card users. Which level are you on? [ Blog Post ] bit.ly/2OWSR4q
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The way I see it, as described, the paradigm can be simplified down to this:
Level 0 is optimizing for risk aversion.
Level 1 is optimizing for simplicity.
Level 2 is optimizing for liquidity.
Level 3/4 is optimizing for value.
Level 5 is optimizing for experience.
Personally I'd say Level 1 is the sweet spot simply because you're going to average comparable value with functionally 0 effort. It's the only level that doesn't have an obvious drawback.
Level 0 is flawed because even an ideal attempt at this path doesn't actually achieve an optimal or near optimal result. Cash and Debit are simply more risky than (responsible) Credit. Obviously there are people who might choose this path out of necessity, but it's not something to aspire to.
The problem with Level 2 is that a significant time investment is required for minimal improvement. It's likely that if you're able to navigate this level you could use your time to build a skill that would ultimately generate a higher yield.
To me Level 3 and 4 are the same thing. You're attempting to get the most value out of your points as you possibly can. Level 3 is just a failure to optimize this path and I'd consider it closer to Level 1 than Level 4 or 2. Anyway the issue with this path is that it's highly dependent on how you personally value travel. The big trap here is losing sight of expected value in the pursuit of gross value. Getting 1.5 cpp on a spur of the moment trip with your buddies is a poor redemption but will probably be remembered more fondly (and thus valued) than a well planned 5 cpp redemption to some once in a lifetime location by yourself.
Level 5 is beyond niche to the point where I don't think it's worth general consideration. To explain what I mean, Level 4 is that type of thing where I think if there was a service that did all the work for free, most people would see some degree of benefit moving up to Level 4 even if ultimately the majority of their redemptions weren't done at the standard of that tier. If a similar service existed to automate Level 5, I have serious doubts that most people would even make a Level 5 redemption.
FWIW I consider myself to be Level 2 with no particular desire to go further. While I recognize that I could probably make more lucrative investments with my time, I consider the game to be fun and enjoy trying to optimize my dollar for the sake of doing so more than the raw value. As an unintended benefit, I believe I've become slightly less prone to impulse buys than I used to be, although this might simply be a consequence of age. Despite this, I still consider Level 1 to be the most likely sweet spot for most people.
This is an amazing analysis! I'm glad that both of you and Sebastian have thought so thoroughly through this subject and have shared your thoughts with the rest of us. Thank you!
My ideal would be two paths. For some travelers cash back is not the end goal but for people who do not travel it is. Putting most cash back people in the same levels misses all the nuance. Do you just get 1 or 2 percent on everything or do you have rotating categories? Do you use multiple cards so you can have the ideal one for your major categories? Do you pay attention to other card features, which may not be advertised as much, and use them? For example, I have a freedom flex coming I did a product change two ... but because of two things not mentioned as much I will get more than the signup bonus each year.
@@karatheythemharkins2393 Agreed. There's a lot of ways to optimize cash back earnings, and I'd argue that until you get into the really premium redemptions (and you value those highly enough to make it worthwhile over cash back) cash back cards can give better earnings in return for effort spent than travel-focused cards in terms of rewards, especially once factoring in effective annual fees. Even though I like to travel a lot, I focus on cash back as it's easier to find a good cash deal at the tier of hotel or airline that I'm okay using (a well-reviewed Super 8 is fine with me!) and I don't travel enough that I need extensive lounge access.
@@jeb4198 right, i may or may not travel more when i retire but right now i do not travel much and when i do someone else is paying like work
Ask sebby is being modest he's level ten in my book.
Jesus Villa level 10, making RUclips videos on credit cards and getting referral link sign up bonuses!
level 11: he teaches level 10s
I might be the rare one that skipped level 2. I started with a low interest, cash back card and wanted to fully pay off my student loans. I was aware of the reward points system and how best to utilize certain points but I didn't make the leap till CSR offered the 100k point sign-on bonus a few years ago (and I paid off 60-80% of my student loans at the time). I became a level 3 after experimenting with the points I gained for the minimum 2 cents per point conversion (you have to experiment in this phase and what works for you). Now I consider myself a low to mid-rank level 4. I shop around by trying to maximize my points and lower costs while utilizing work/membership benefits at the same time. Level 5 is attainable for me, but I need a couple of trips to the Maldives to consider myself one :-).
Level 3 here - Just learning about redemption values and best ways to optimize
Level 1. 2% for no effort. Rarely pay cash and pay the balance in full biweekly. When I reach $500, get the cash and buy stock.
Respect. You know what works for you.
me: here for some enjoyable sebby content
also me: finds out i’m a dangerous and argumentative level 2 😫
ready to evolve to level 3 when i get my CSP!!
You mean CSR and CSP, not just CSP.
me too
Solid Level 3 here 🙋🏾♂️. I may progress to level 4 in the future, but level 3 is currently fitting my needs and goals!
Thats good enough for a black guy.
At least your not posting pic with cash while living on rented house like your people
Another thing to consider is that 1 super nice plane ticket may be 5x value while the standard is 1.5x-2x value... but the same number of points might get you 3x the number of standard plane tickets.
Just book a round trip first class with ANA from LA to Tokyo, thousands thanks to Sebby !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Timmy Nguyen what was your play?!
Level 3 with aspirations of level 4. Got my player 2 to finally buy into the game, but having a toddler limits aspirational travel. In the meantime, I can live vicariously through Sebastian and Mandy!
Level 5 here, and I would just like to add that if you are Level 4, you should still have an ExpertFlyer account to at least check normal cash fare inventory so that you can make informed/reasonable guesses at whether an airline will release additional award space during the last week before departure.
David Qin Any details on this?
I went from a level 1 about 7 months ago to now being a level 3.5 -- Kind of advanced L3, with some L4 stuff planned.
Thanks to this channel I went from level 1 to ~4 in about a year in terms of knowledge and optimization
I keep it simple. Only have chase sapphire reserve and chase freedom. Reserve is my main card, however whatever rotating 5% category freedom has, I would use the freedom, and then transfer those points to reserve. I travel maybe once or twice a year. I just book using chase ultimate rewards portal, never transfer to partner airlines etc. since I don't have any airline cards or in any hotel rewards program.
Get a Freedom Unlimited, complete the trifecta, and live happily ever after!
I recommend signing up for those loyalty programs. Chase portal allows use of your frequent flyer number. You may eventually score the opportunity to transfer UR points to complete an award booking, with higher effective value per point, including mileage earnings from previous flights booked via Chase portal.
@@DanielRall thing is i fly random airlines when i travel. Usually whatever is cheapest. Alaska seems to be the one I've flown the most.
I went from level 1 to level 4 in about a one month period thanks to people like you Sebastian! I honestly just didn’t know about Credit Card rewards and card optimizations since nobody taught me about them. Once I learned though, man! I went all in! Immediately started running a Schwab-Amex Quadfecta and already got positive value even with those $900 annual fees. I got approved for all of them within a 2 month period, which seemed really fast though. I would be curious to learn if anyone else got approved for 4 Amex cards in such a short period of time.
I’m level 3, I’m still in college and only work part time so I don’t spend enough for my points to be used optimally. I’m just letting them build until I graduate and start working full time. Any cards with an annual fee have a negative return in my case.
Same here. 0 annual fee for now.
Only annual fee card I can justify (also a college student) would be hotel cards with low annual fees like $95 that give an annual free night certificate. I could use them to take my girlfriend for a day trip or a hotel for an interview/internship
No issue here. You being a level 3 in college working part time is actually a good start
Great observation about negative expected value from cards with AFs when your spend is low.
This is one of the best credit card optimization videos I ever seen.
Level 3 and happy. I am, however, open to transfer partners for flights too. I like the flexibility the Schwab setup gives me.
Well personally I’m a level 4 and I enjoy this level. My aspiration is to become a 5 but I need more time. I have taken several cool trips thanks to credit cards. Have several booked in the future following the level 4 playbook. Including Tokyo and Seoul in 4 weeks very exciting!
I was expecting level 5 to include people who are able to generate a six - seven figure spend on their cards without actually spending a whole lot... But that might be outside the scope of this video.
I fly economy and book no name hotels so I'm solidly in level 3.
If you don’t travel a great deal, level 3 is probably your top end. Since we have a second home in a resort area that we can drive to in 3 hours, our other travel is limited. We travel once a year on a high end cruise line with minimal hotel stays and any other trips are by car as we take our dog with us. This makes the redemption game much easier. Our cost on the cruises is usually less when booking direct rather than through a bank booking service. We still have hundreds of thousands of hotel points from years ago when I traveled for business and we may never use all these points. Now retired we concentrate on cash back and prefer no fee cards.
I think Sebby's description of level 1 is closer to level 2. A level 1 person, in my opinion, is someone who signed up for the card, not because they know it has percentage redemption, but because they were getting a discount off their purchase. They probably don't even know what multipliers even are. They have credit and use the credit, but are probably either maxing out the card(s) or missing payments. An example would be department store cards, clothing store cards, etc. (Express NEXT card, Victoria Secret Angel card, etc)
Level 4. I have not really thought about level 5 yet. 🤯 Thanks Sebby. You’re a boss! I learn so much from you. :)
I’m at level 4. Booked many trips for a big family. I do touch level 5 occasionally but for me it’s too challenging to think that way all the time. Plan to stay at level 4.
I'm a level 1... . Urgh...money on the damn...FLOOR!😣
I am just at the beginning of Level 4. Just made my first redemption on Swiss business all the way from US to India using points (on Aeroplan). Bonus booked my infant child for just CAD 100. But definitely have a long way to go in this points game!!
I’m level 4 as getting those business class upgrades are sweet when on a long flight.
Awesome information young man..Much appreciated.
Level 4, inspired to go to 5. I only transfer points to fly long-haul first and business classes.
Hyatt just introduced peak and off peak awards. Chase UR have even less value. All their unique transfer options are basically dynamic now.
Hyatt's peak pricing is pretty tame though. Even at Category 8, splits of 35k / 40k / 45k seem reasonable.
It could be very possible that a level zero person is someone who is not comfortable with spending somebody else's money. They may not consider the credit card money their own.
#AskSebby those people need to stop leaving money on the table. I appreciate you breaking down the levels. I’m not trying to bark up the wrong tree anymore.
I'm definitely level 3. Chase trifecta in full effect and I get more value than someone in a lower level with imo barely any work. Level 4/5 to me just isn't worth the extra time I'd have to spend to get more value than I already get.
lmfao all these high rollers with $1,000 point redemptions. I take my
Solid Level 3 here. If I make more money I might climb more. But savvy people with credit cards should be a 3 at least, even if it's a low one. 4 and 5 you need to make a certain amount of money just to hit the spends and rack up the points.
RETENTION OFFER DATA POINT - I just called Chase and got a $60 statement credit against my $95 Chase Sapphire Preferred annual renewal fee. This was my first renewal year. Not bad. A fair offer and no need to put high spend on the card since it's a straight statement credit.
Great information that you share with us. I think I'm in the trouble level 2. I have a few points floating around but I don't know how to use them. I would love to pay you or contribute to your channel if I may have one hour of your time to help me use my points. Again on my behalf sebby I thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. Keep up the good work I'm I hope you make your level 5 soon.
I have a debit card that gives me 3% cashback on all purchases and free Netflix (The MCO debit card, which actually allows up to 5%, but that requires a very large deposit so I don't think it is worth it and found 3% to be the best balance FYI 1% is with no deposit). So I don't really see any point in using a credit card if I am not renting a car or booking a hotel.
Level 5 sounds like an engineering problem. Very interesting. Booking a level 5 plane ticket is probably more enjoyable than the flight itself.
Level 4, working my way to level 5. I love the thrill of the hunt, so even though I haven’t redeemed anything in level 5 yet, I love looking at possibilities!
I have my 5 card base with exclusively cash back cards with no annual fees. Capital One Quicksilver for subscriptions, PayPal Cashback for unlimited 2%, Capital One Savor One for dining (and gas), AMEX Bluecash Everyday for groceries (and gas) and finally the Discover IT for the rotating 5% and I use it as my every day card because I'm within the first year still and am getting the cashback match, meaning 10% on the rotating categories and 2% on everything else. Once the first year is up I'll start using the paypal card. I also dont travel much so I'm only really interested in cash back
Level 1. I need to raise my game
I applaud your work ethic Sebby! It motivates me to work harder. I'm definitely level 3 trying to move into level 4. I love the credit card game! It's challenging, but the payoff is huge
I'm level -1 as I don't understand what he's talking about and the credit card market is different in Europe anyways.
Fantastic video, Sebastian from Ask Sebby!
This is a question I often have when people talk about URs and MRs being valued at 2+ cpp when you transfer them to partners: normally, these partner currencies themselves are only worth a little more than 1cpp (Delta, AA, etc). So how come MRs can be worth over 2 cpp when you transfer them to Delta, for example, when SkyMiles themselves are worth about 1.3cpp?
You don't transfer to non-optimal partners: www.asksebby.com/blog/best-way-to-redeem-american-express-membership-reward-points-for-travel
What about those of us who wants to upgrade to certain issuer's more premium card? Which doubles the points in many cases & use these to offset the annual fee, plus have some left over to apply to the balance (or whatever we want, including rollover). For those of us who pays most of our expenses on a credit card (using AMEX Blue Cash as an example) & pay in full monthly, making sure to make a huge early payment before statement is generated to prevent going over 6% usage, this is free money. Plus demostrates responsible credit card usage.
Am not sure what scale this would be, probably at least in the middle, having an action plan in place. Taking everyday expenses that we all have, utilities, groceries, gas & so on & getting some type of return back while also paying the annual fee for the upgraded card.
I'm not into travel & so forth, am retired & making the most of what resources on hand. Paying the $95/year fee & getting over $300 cash back afterwards is a winner for me! That's two months worh of utilities, on average, on their dime.
Level 3 working on 4.
I would suggest a vid for those of us who do not travel as much (ok, lots of people in 2020) as stopping talking about cash back with level 2 seems a bit odd. It will have everything from the recent graduate with their first cards to the people that are always giving credit advice.
Cash back setups generally involve:
1) 5% game
2) "Best of breed" cards for specific categories
3) Higher net worth setups (BofA Platinum w/ $100,000 in assets)
Above is a quick answer :) Good idea for a video though!
Ask Sebby thanks, yes, I would see early cash back people just getting something with no cash back, then maybe rotating categories cards, getting an optimum card setup for their usual spend, and eventually getting paid cards for some things, like blue cash preferred for groceries and streaming, the exact path may vary
I do both level 5 stuff and 4 stuff. but I also use the Chase portal @ 1.5cpp. But I'm also a level 2 in that I'm argumentative. When someone is wrong in the comments section, I can't stop arguing my point. I lose sleep when someone is wrong on youtube.
I think the scale is biased, glorifying those who can maximize return on FFP's and travel portals. I think the higher levels should reflect churning, manufactured spend and combining keeper & churner cards. By doing this it may be possible to not "leave money on the table".
I'm level 4 maybe level 5 next year. Thank you for all the great advice.
Thanks Sebby. Level three with some dabbling in four. I need to move more into four.
Zero (kind of) but going to 3 (sort of) I have used my cards like cash with no reward. I recently learned of churning. Mad I hadn't thought of it myself sooner. I don't travel enough to maximize points but I am moving to cash back cards to profit from what I spend already. I do want to get chase trifecta to get into some travel.
Truly love your channel
Thanks
Final Form Lev 2
Yes, Korean Air works! It's part of Skytean
Sebby is Level Ninja. I maybe fall into Level 3.5 if that makes sense.
I’m probably somewhere in the beginning of 4 and trying to make it work with only one player and multiple members of the family to redeem for... Unfortunately, even with the redemptions and perks they visibly see, parents are hard to convince to join the game. Currently paid a little premium and did the mileage plus upgrade waitlist for United Polaris to Australia. We’ll see what happens! Thank you always for all the tips and advice and looking forward to learning from you for level 5! Get well soon!
I at level 3 for now as I work on Chase trifecta. Will be applying for the CSP in Jan 2020. I already have the CF/CFU. 🥰
Level 3 and happy there. I did pick up a tip about having a large (>100,000) sum on deposit may warrant a larger cash back reward at some banks. I’ll look into that one.
I think I'd be Level 3 right now, but looking to move to 4 soon.
Thank you for the information
Level 2 represent!!
Level 6:
Tell your assistant to book accommodation 1st class and corner suite. Money is no object. A Bentley picks you up at your door.
Level 7
Private Jet, you own your own island
Level -1 for those on the OFAC list ( OFAC publishes lists of individuals and companies owned or controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, targeted countries. It also lists individuals, groups, and entities, such as terrorists and narcotics traffickers )
I a currently level 3 but I am motivated to devote a little more time to move to a level 4
advanved lvl3 for me, my current financial goals can't justify these aspirational trips even if the flights/hotels were cheap so I'm cash back all the way. Been getting an average of one card a month for 2 years now and managing 1 500-2000 MSR every month is much easier for me than coordinating 5k MSR on a few of the premium cards and then planning a trip to capitalize. I think I could be more convinced about planning trips if I had a job with a lot of comped travel.
I think I'm in level 3... happy to be in this spot
I guess i'm somewhere between level 2 & level 3. Not for a lack of knowing or wanting to use the other cards, but i don't travel. I have plans to do some traveling in a couple years, but until i'm about 6 month out, i don't see the benefit of paying annual fees, for cards that see most of their benefit when used during travels. For now i'm just trying to maximize my cashback which is usually 1c, or 1.25c if i buy gift cards at a discount (mostly on discover). I do some really light churning, which usually involves buying a visa gift card and then either either using the gift card on categories i wouldn't normally get 5%, or buy a money order and deposit that into my bank account.
I’m prob level 0. Aiming for 3.
Think I'm at about level 2.5. I have my trifecta, but I'm still figuring out how to use the points. Whether i want to use them on small vacation stays or 1 big one.
Somewhere in level 4 without any trifecta though. Amex Platinum (authorized user mainly for Centurion lounges), CSR, Bonvoy card. Transfer Bonvoy to AA, Chase portal, business BA, RJ on AA miles kinda stuff. Can spend a whole weekend figuring out a reservation but for now not interested in level 5.
I think I'm a low end level 4. It's harder whenever you're trying to do it all with a bunch of little people as well 😀. I like the spot where I'm at, I don't know if I'll ever get to level 5, maybe one day when the kids are all out of the house.
I’m at a place between level 2 & 3, I don’t have multiple cards from one bank to do a trifecta effect but I have a few cards from different banks & I do redeem my points to benefit me. I’ll very soon get more in tuned
Interested in more level 5 content for the channel!
Example: Recently had a great redemption using Alaska miles to fly BA business overnight to Heathrow (Club World, 2 lie flat seats, best sleep I've ever had on an airplane). However, I had to fly SFO->SEA->YVR (same miles award itinerary) to get that intercontinental award availability, which was kinda awkward. What're better options for direct flights with this kind of redemption?
Sebby got a super ultra wide back there now.
Great content as always Sebby!! I have a weird request. My wife watches your videos with me sometimes and she always comments on where your stuffed dog is since it hasnt been featured in your videos these days. This is probably because you're not standing / angling higher up in your videos now, but if you want to spice it up and feature the dog sometimes, it'll entertain the people who notice these little things.
I don't have the income to make travel rewards work for me. I'm on level 3.
I love your videos thank you for sharing your tips I have a lot to learn
I’ve been at Level 4 for awhile. I haven’t had a need to jump into Level 5 because I don’t leave the country very often. Even when I did, it was always free. I have an AMEX trifecta and use American Airlines as my main transfer partner. I’ve flown with them my entire life (I’m only 30). I keep it simple most of the year and do travel research when needed.
Thanks for the video
I'm at level 4. virgin atlantic transfer change the game for me.
I'm a level 5 at this point... I've transferred MR points and called Emirates and Etihad multiple times to book flights on their partner airlines, particularly Gol Airlines for domestic flights within Brazil
Excellent vid.
I’m a level 3 but started off at a level 2 which is cool to me. I don’t mind level 3 I like it
I’m probably a level two or three. I have chase points but I don’t know how to use them with airlines/hotels.
What do you think of the Barclays Aadvantage Red card?
Love your channel
I love this video!! I’ve been wondering this myself as well! Can you do more level 5 videos? Kind of share as you’re learning to be in level 5? What sites do you go to for learning more about these? I have an expert flyer account but I am definitely not using it to its full capacity!
Flyertalk mainly. r/awardtravel is much smaller but there are hardcore guys who know their stuff there as well.
Level 2, since you do almost nothing with transfers etc as an European... no chase, no platinum 5x points :)
And do more actual cases / use cases on level 4 and 5 , mostly five please ! Btw you're awesome!
Oh and have probably earned on the order of 10k in 30 years and paid exactly 0 in interest.
Do you use any app like award wallet? Does anyone here? Any thoughts?
I think I'm a lvl 4, aspiring to be a 5. I'm pretty poor, so if I have to spend money then I have to make sure that I spend them optimally. So spending that extra 1 - 2 hours to do a lil research so I won't regret it for the rest of my life is a must. Though lvl 5 lingo is still confusing for me. Really interesting topic, Sebby! Thanks!
Level 3 and comfortable
I'm a Level 5 miles & points travel agent .I book all flights maximizing points/miles(I do the leg work).My fee is 25k MR/UR points per booking. Na I'm level 3/4 hehehe
Level 4 and probably never going to get to Level 5. With a young child business and first class redemptions are close to pointless... much easier to travel in the same economy row. Unless there are lots of Level 5 economy ticket tricks, then maybe. One thing you didn’t mention which I know you know a lot about are all the perks, lounges, insurance, free checked bags, free nights, accelerated status; all those things are a huge part of the value of these cards for me, beyond the points.
Agreed. I think with kids, Level 4 (or even Level 3) is a good sweet spot.
Ask Sebby We get amazing value out of Hyatt redemptions and lounge access. So great to have the Centurion Lounge before redeye flights, and we have used Hyatt status and points for a lot of family vacations. A huge multiplier of value since we can all use the one hotel room instead of burning points on flights for all of us. Though we have used points for flights once in a while for last minute short haul where sometimes there are deals in economy.
Hyatt is going to peak/off-peak though! Thankfully it doesn’t seem TOO awful. At least this year.
Don’t you get cash back or points for using debit cards in America? Where I live there’s a lot of debit cards with cash/points back
Never mind. Watched the next 30 seconds)
Definitely level 1.
I’m thinking about downgrading my AMEX Gold to green. I used to ONLY use my Gold for everything but now I’ve a card for everything. Ive AMEX cash preferred which I use for groceries and streaming service with 6% cash back. Unbeatable. Im using my Gold for restaurants and not sure if it’s worth keeping. Any tips? Thanks 😊
Thank you