I really like videos like this. I'm still in the process of simplifying my set up. I think I'm at the point where I'm only keeping my VX because it easily generates 100K referals miles each year. but at the same time. I could see using it as a primary card one day. Stan you fly a lot!!!
Thanks Uncle Luke! Yeah, I'm in the same boat trying to simplify my setup as well, trying to keep it under 20 cards, but with all these no annual fee downgrade paths, not sure if that's going to be an option, haha! I think if you can get that many referrals from the VX, plus all the referrals in a $395 package, that for sure is totally worth it! It's a great catch all card for sure as a VISA Infinite! And yes, I do fly a lot, mostly for work. But then I get a lot points to EARN AND BURN 🔥
Great video Stan. I like this style of video from you. The Venture X is definitely a solid travel card but... I dont look at it as a luxury travel card. I even compare their hotel program to Amex Hotel Collection and not even close to being Dine Hotels and Resorts. The Amex Platinum is definitely a Luxury travel card. Thanks for another good one 🫡
Of course Sledge 🫡! Yeah, right now, comparing the hotel collections is not even a comparison, haha! FHR is clearly better, and like you said, HC is probably even better right now as well. I think the C1VX could be considered a luxury travel card - albeit an entry-level one, but I do see your points. I guess I wouldn't call the Amex Green a luxury travel card either, but I would put the C1VX benefits almost on par with the Green card than with the Platinum card.
As a C1 Venture X cardholder, I feel like it's a card that is super easy to get positive value from every year even with just 1 booking through their portal (over $300 of course). With that being the case, I can see an argument for holding both cards, but it all comes down to getting positive value naturally from both cards, especially considering their overlapping benefits. Great video Stan!!
Thanks Spencer! Yeah, I think there's a lot of value with the C1VX, but sometimes it may not bring as much value as a card like the Amex Platinum, depending on how that card is being used! Having both cards would be great - if it makes sense, and you can get positive value from both of them!
I got both plat and X same time. Using them in same 24 mo period will be helpful to determine which is truly better. I’ll cancel one at end of period. For the X, really depends how much the AF increases and lounge additions/capacity. For Amex, they need to add better merchants for coupons. It’s sad in late 2023!
Great video man! Been thinking about the Venture X myself, but between having the Amex Platinum, Gold, and now the Chase Sapphire Reserve, I think 2 Ecosystems are more than enough for now! Only so much money to go around! haha
Thanks AMEX Boss! I know which card you picked, haha! I think you bring up a very good point about having only a few ecosystems. Although point diversity is good, spreading the rewards all around makes it more difficult to make that YOLO booking. There are overlapping travel partners, though, so that could also be one way to get around this, but since you've got both Amex MRs and Chase URs, you've got the top 2 systems in play and I agree, that's how I would do it too!
This is a beautiful explanation of how to choose a luxury travel card. Lounge access is an excellent perk of luxury travel cards, and you do a great job explaining why being aware of what lounges are available in your most frequented airports is a critical step in deciding which card to get. Very well done video Stan! Oh, and thanks for the shoutout 😍
Thanks Josh! Yeah, I think understanding how you, specifically, travel is so important in these decisions since a lot of focus is put on paper value rather than on personal value! And of course! C1 doesn’t let me access their portal so I appreciated the dial-a-friend screenshot 😀!
Wait a sec, I thought you lived in Seattle 😮😮. These are really good factors to think about. I’m juggling between the venture x and the platinum, but my conclusion right now is that neither card is right for me right now 😢. Too bad, because I really want one 😂.
No CJ! You're mixing me up with someone else, hahaha! It's ok if neither of these cards are good for you (right now). Eventually, there'll be a time when you can get this card and have it make sense for year 1. Realistically, the C1VX is probably going to better first, but I dunno, maybe the Platinum will partner with Discover somehow, and you'll have no choice but to love it!
@@TheCreditFrog 🤣🤣🤣 my bad! Lol, if the Platinum were to partner with Discover, I think a lot of Platinum cardholders would be pretty upset about that 😅.
I’ve had my business plat for a week and it’s already given me so much value. Signed up for global entry, used my hertz presidents circle to book a rental for an upcoming trip, used my gold hotel status for a hotel booking, and used the 35% flight return on a trip to Germany. I travel weekly so this card was a need and I already love it
That's awesome! You are stacking value on top of value on top of value like a delicate tiramisu, and that's how value gets totally maximized on the card! Nice work!
Great points in this video Stan! Yeah like you mentioned, I think the Venture X does a great job of being more accessible and reasonable for someone's first premium travel card, or younger/not high income demographics. The Venture X will definitely be my first Premium Travel Card that I plan to get soon. I'm definitely a big fan of the high welcome bonuses & travel benefits that come along with premium Cards as well. The Platinum is still unbeatable in terms of the Lounge Access & overall having the most luxury travel benefits though like you mentioned. Love the comparison!
Thanks Matt! For sure, I think the VX is going to be a great first luxury travel credit card for you as it's so much more accessible with a lower annual fee and easier to use credits. If I was in your position, that would definitely be my move as well. I also love a good elevated sign-up bonus as you know, haha, and so when you pull the trigger on this Amex Platinum, I know you'll get the highest bonus that you can. Honestly, the Alaska card is probably the best fit for you since you're from Seattle, unless you start traveling elsewhere fairly regularly with a lounge within the C1VX or Platinum network!
Yes! The Platinum had the lead for a while, but now it's 48-52 in favor of C1VX. IMO, that's good news for the Platinum because I thought there would be much more in favor of the C1VX!
I think for people who value simplicity but still want value, the Venture X but for people who are willing to get into the nitty gritty, the Platinum takes the cake!
That's a very good assessment Manny! There are pros and cons of each card, but it's going to come down to how you approach getting value from the credit cards themselves 👍!
What travel card would you recommend for someone that flies from HI to CA a few times a year? I was considering holding off on top tier travel cards until I can do more international travel (in a few years).
I think it depends if you value airline or hotel credit cards. For the occasional traveler, the Venture X is a great choice, but the CSP is also a good choice!
If you could truly use the card and value from the credits, I would base it off of that decision. Otherwise, I would go for the highest welcome offer, provided that you can hit the minimum spend requirement.
This was a really effective context driven comparison Stan! TBH, I'm yet to be convinced that Cap1 VX is a 1st or 2nd tier luxury card. It does appear to be trying by mimicking the heavy hitters Amex and Chase... but, Cap 1-VX locks you into their travel portal, has sketchy cust svc, and seems to slant towards a sub-prime market in their approval criteria. I shall wait 1-2 yrs to see what comes of it😎 On another note, the tight coordination between this video's narration and videography were exceptional👋🏾👍🏾
Thanks NubiaRising! I totally agree - I think the C1VX is targeting a different market in their one Capital-One-y type of way, haha! I think seeing how the C1VX develops in the next few years is going to be very interesting! And thanks so much man, I'm trying a few new styles with editing, and seeing what works so that feedback is super helpful! 👍
Thanks and of course! Having both is the best of both worlds, but it’s always important to keep analyzing your own situation so you’re not overpaying with annual fees. If it works for you, then having both would definitely be a great option 👍!
You raised some great points here Stan and I'm of the same mind that you have to make sure that a card legitimately fits your life or it's simply more of a liability than an asset!
Very true Chad! You gotta look to make sure the card makes sense for YOU. Or if you’re getting it just for the sub, then no need to worry about that, haha!
I’m going to apply for the platinum because I have the gold and the platinum will be a soft pull for me so getting my platinum will not affect my credit score, I tried the pre-approval for the platinum and I got approved, Capital one Venture X does not have this feature and if you get denied I think it will affect your score so you need to be careful, Some of my friends Carry both cards but I will just be getting the platinum after I finished my welcome bonus spend of $4000 to get 90,000 points
Sounds like a great plan! Yeah, I don’t like how the C1VX doesn’t have a pre approval tool so I’m glad you could get that info on the Platinum card. Of course, when you’re ready, make sure that you get the highest reasonable offer that you can get on the Platinum since you only get one chance to make it count per lifetime! (You know this already since you got 90k on the Gold, but just though I’d mention it 😀)
I have the Amex Business Plat with the companion pass for the Cent Lounge. I decided to go with the C1 Venture-X for my personal card. 2x on everything and I'm in pop-up jail with Amex. Diversity is good.
That's awesome that you're able to get that Companion Pass - business must be good 👍! And since you also have the C1VX, you have all the perks that come with that card as well so you're getting the best of both worlds! Sorry that you're in pop-up jail - hopefully you'll be able to get out of it soon! Yeah, I think it's great that Amex and C1VX have overlapping transfer partners so you do have more choices, or you can combine if you want!
Yeah, the travel credit is certainly a big part of the card! I wanted to focus more on the luxury travel aspects and less on the statement credits since that’s how I would primarily use each of these cards. If you focus less on lounge access and luxury hotel portals then the statement credits are going to probably be a big part of the discussion!
I'm from southern CA, but yes, I'm up in Sac a lot for business! I do really like the airport, but that Escape Lounge could definitely be a little bigger.. With the summer months approaching, I'm hoping that it doesn't get too crowded, but even when I'm flying out on a weekday, SMF is pretty busy!! If you're ever at the Escape Lounge in SMF and recoginze me, feel free to say hi! I'll be the one watching RUclips / editing my YT videos 🤣
@@TheCreditFrog ha! I’ve never even been to the lounge at SMF. I just show up to the airport last minute and zip through pre check. For bigger airports I’ll stop by lounges. It’s too bad platinum took away the free lounge access for family, that makes me not want to grab the card anymore since I don’t travel alone usually. Guess I’m stick with the VX for now. I am getting a little frustrated with Capital One and their lounges. I got the card two months after it came out and I’ve been waiting on the lounge in Denver forever. I travel through DIA quite often, and it should’ve been done over a year ago.
@@JB-pk1jx Oh man, that's too bad, but at least Denver is on their list of lounges to open! I've been to the Centurion there, which is pretty nice and big, but luckily it wasn't that crowded when I went there. Not sure how it is now, but I've noticed lounges have been filling up quickly since summer is almost here!
@@TheCreditFrog I’m going to Vegas next month, do you usually stay at centurion lounge there? I have about a 5 hour layover there before an international flight:
@@JB-pk1jx Yup! I've been to the Centurion Lounge there - it's quite nice, but super busy, especially on Sundays and holidays! I would get there as early as you can since every time I've gone, I've had to wait in a queue. You can join the queue early through your Amex app, which is helpful while you navigate to Terminal D where the lounge is located.
I really like videos like this. I'm still in the process of simplifying my set up. I think I'm at the point where I'm only keeping my VX because it easily generates 100K referals miles each year. but at the same time. I could see using it as a primary card one day. Stan you fly a lot!!!
Thanks Uncle Luke! Yeah, I'm in the same boat trying to simplify my setup as well, trying to keep it under 20 cards, but with all these no annual fee downgrade paths, not sure if that's going to be an option, haha! I think if you can get that many referrals from the VX, plus all the referrals in a $395 package, that for sure is totally worth it! It's a great catch all card for sure as a VISA Infinite! And yes, I do fly a lot, mostly for work. But then I get a lot points to EARN AND BURN 🔥
Great video Stan. I like this style of video from you. The Venture X is definitely a solid travel card but... I dont look at it as a luxury travel card. I even compare their hotel program to Amex Hotel Collection and not even close to being Dine Hotels and Resorts. The Amex Platinum is definitely a Luxury travel card.
Thanks for another good one 🫡
Of course Sledge 🫡! Yeah, right now, comparing the hotel collections is not even a comparison, haha! FHR is clearly better, and like you said, HC is probably even better right now as well. I think the C1VX could be considered a luxury travel card - albeit an entry-level one, but I do see your points. I guess I wouldn't call the Amex Green a luxury travel card either, but I would put the C1VX benefits almost on par with the Green card than with the Platinum card.
Good points
As a C1 Venture X cardholder, I feel like it's a card that is super easy to get positive value from every year even with just 1 booking through their portal (over $300 of course). With that being the case, I can see an argument for holding both cards, but it all comes down to getting positive value naturally from both cards, especially considering their overlapping benefits. Great video Stan!!
Thanks Spencer! Yeah, I think there's a lot of value with the C1VX, but sometimes it may not bring as much value as a card like the Amex Platinum, depending on how that card is being used! Having both cards would be great - if it makes sense, and you can get positive value from both of them!
I got both plat and X same time. Using them in same 24 mo period will be helpful to determine which is truly better. I’ll cancel one at end of period.
For the X, really depends how much the AF increases and lounge additions/capacity. For Amex, they need to add better merchants for coupons. It’s sad in late 2023!
@newagain9964 Sounds like a great way to test them out! Will be interesting to see which one you end up with!
Great video man! Been thinking about the Venture X myself, but between having the Amex Platinum, Gold, and now the Chase Sapphire Reserve, I think 2 Ecosystems are more than enough for now! Only so much money to go around! haha
Thanks AMEX Boss! I know which card you picked, haha! I think you bring up a very good point about having only a few ecosystems. Although point diversity is good, spreading the rewards all around makes it more difficult to make that YOLO booking. There are overlapping travel partners, though, so that could also be one way to get around this, but since you've got both Amex MRs and Chase URs, you've got the top 2 systems in play and I agree, that's how I would do it too!
This is a beautiful explanation of how to choose a luxury travel card. Lounge access is an excellent perk of luxury travel cards, and you do a great job explaining why being aware of what lounges are available in your most frequented airports is a critical step in deciding which card to get. Very well done video Stan! Oh, and thanks for the shoutout 😍
Thanks Josh! Yeah, I think understanding how you, specifically, travel is so important in these decisions since a lot of focus is put on paper value rather than on personal value! And of course! C1 doesn’t let me access their portal so I appreciated the dial-a-friend screenshot 😀!
Wait a sec, I thought you lived in Seattle 😮😮. These are really good factors to think about. I’m juggling between the venture x and the platinum, but my conclusion right now is that neither card is right for me right now 😢. Too bad, because I really want one 😂.
No CJ! You're mixing me up with someone else, hahaha! It's ok if neither of these cards are good for you (right now). Eventually, there'll be a time when you can get this card and have it make sense for year 1. Realistically, the C1VX is probably going to better first, but I dunno, maybe the Platinum will partner with Discover somehow, and you'll have no choice but to love it!
@@TheCreditFrog 🤣🤣🤣 my bad! Lol, if the Platinum were to partner with Discover, I think a lot of Platinum cardholders would be pretty upset about that 😅.
@@ItsMeCJ Actually yeah you're right 🤣
You bring up some great points to determine which (if either) CC is right for you. Thanks for the info + video!
You're welcome Jimmy James! Appreciate you man!
I’ve had my business plat for a week and it’s already given me so much value. Signed up for global entry, used my hertz presidents circle to book a rental for an upcoming trip, used my gold hotel status for a hotel booking, and used the 35% flight return on a trip to Germany. I travel weekly so this card was a need and I already love it
That's awesome! You are stacking value on top of value on top of value like a delicate tiramisu, and that's how value gets totally maximized on the card! Nice work!
Great points in this video Stan! Yeah like you mentioned, I think the Venture X does a great job of being more accessible and reasonable for someone's first premium travel card, or younger/not high income demographics. The Venture X will definitely be my first Premium Travel Card that I plan to get soon. I'm definitely a big fan of the high welcome bonuses & travel benefits that come along with premium Cards as well. The Platinum is still unbeatable in terms of the Lounge Access & overall having the most luxury travel benefits though like you mentioned. Love the comparison!
Thanks Matt! For sure, I think the VX is going to be a great first luxury travel credit card for you as it's so much more accessible with a lower annual fee and easier to use credits. If I was in your position, that would definitely be my move as well. I also love a good elevated sign-up bonus as you know, haha, and so when you pull the trigger on this Amex Platinum, I know you'll get the highest bonus that you can. Honestly, the Alaska card is probably the best fit for you since you're from Seattle, unless you start traveling elsewhere fairly regularly with a lounge within the C1VX or Platinum network!
Now I see why the community post went out… I like it!
Yes! The Platinum had the lead for a while, but now it's 48-52 in favor of C1VX. IMO, that's good news for the Platinum because I thought there would be much more in favor of the C1VX!
I think for people who value simplicity but still want value, the Venture X but for people who are willing to get into the nitty gritty, the Platinum takes the cake!
That's a very good assessment Manny! There are pros and cons of each card, but it's going to come down to how you approach getting value from the credit cards themselves 👍!
What travel card would you recommend for someone that flies from HI to CA a few times a year? I was considering holding off on top tier travel cards until I can do more international travel (in a few years).
I think it depends if you value airline or hotel credit cards. For the occasional traveler, the Venture X is a great choice, but the CSP is also a good choice!
Which one too choose: Amex platinum vs Amex business platinum ?
If you could truly use the card and value from the credits, I would base it off of that decision. Otherwise, I would go for the highest welcome offer, provided that you can hit the minimum spend requirement.
This was a really effective context driven comparison Stan! TBH, I'm yet to be convinced that Cap1 VX is a 1st or 2nd tier luxury card. It does appear to be trying by mimicking the heavy hitters Amex and Chase... but, Cap 1-VX locks you into their travel portal, has sketchy cust svc, and seems to slant towards a sub-prime market in their approval criteria. I shall wait 1-2 yrs to see what comes of it😎 On another note, the tight coordination between this video's narration and videography were exceptional👋🏾👍🏾
Thanks NubiaRising! I totally agree - I think the C1VX is targeting a different market in their one Capital-One-y type of way, haha! I think seeing how the C1VX develops in the next few years is going to be very interesting! And thanks so much man, I'm trying a few new styles with editing, and seeing what works so that feedback is super helpful! 👍
@@TheCreditFrog keep doing what ur doin Man👍🏾
Wouldn’t you be able to own both? Great video by the way
Thanks and of course! Having both is the best of both worlds, but it’s always important to keep analyzing your own situation so you’re not overpaying with annual fees. If it works for you, then having both would definitely be a great option 👍!
You raised some great points here Stan and I'm of the same mind that you have to make sure that a card legitimately fits your life or it's simply more of a liability than an asset!
Very true Chad! You gotta look to make sure the card makes sense for YOU. Or if you’re getting it just for the sub, then no need to worry about that, haha!
I’m going to apply for the platinum because I have the gold and the platinum will be a soft pull for me so getting my platinum will not affect my credit score, I tried the pre-approval for the platinum and I got approved, Capital one Venture X does not have this feature and if you get denied I think it will affect your score so you need to be careful, Some of my friends Carry both cards but I will just be getting the platinum after I finished my welcome bonus spend of $4000 to get 90,000 points
Sounds like a great plan! Yeah, I don’t like how the C1VX doesn’t have a pre approval tool so I’m glad you could get that info on the Platinum card. Of course, when you’re ready, make sure that you get the highest reasonable offer that you can get on the Platinum since you only get one chance to make it count per lifetime! (You know this already since you got 90k on the Gold, but just though I’d mention it 😀)
@@TheCreditFrog thank you, I just sub to your channel
@@34skyline Appreciate it!
I have the Amex Business Plat with the companion pass for the Cent Lounge. I decided to go with the C1 Venture-X for my personal card. 2x on everything and I'm in pop-up jail with Amex. Diversity is good.
That's awesome that you're able to get that Companion Pass - business must be good 👍! And since you also have the C1VX, you have all the perks that come with that card as well so you're getting the best of both worlds! Sorry that you're in pop-up jail - hopefully you'll be able to get out of it soon! Yeah, I think it's great that Amex and C1VX have overlapping transfer partners so you do have more choices, or you can combine if you want!
@@TheCreditFrog the only downside is that I’m now at 5/24. 😭
@@krs1905 Dang, join the club! Me too!
@@TheCreditFrog 5/24 and pop up jail. It’s going to be a LONG summer
Platinum for the win by a long shot
Platinum is the best card when it comes down to it for sure! But the C1VX does offer some good value as well, so I get why there's the hype!
@@TheCreditFrog it all depends on the lifestyle of the average consumer/traveller
@@isao_the_2nd Agreed!
Why did you not even talk about the $300 annual credit with C1? Thats a major talking point
Yeah, the travel credit is certainly a big part of the card! I wanted to focus more on the luxury travel aspects and less on the statement credits since that’s how I would primarily use each of these cards. If you focus less on lounge access and luxury hotel portals then the statement credits are going to probably be a big part of the discussion!
First!!!
You did it CJ! You are first!! 🏆
Stan are you from Sac? I love flying out of SMF, it’s so small and easy to navigate! Maybe I’ll see you one day haha
I'm from southern CA, but yes, I'm up in Sac a lot for business! I do really like the airport, but that Escape Lounge could definitely be a little bigger.. With the summer months approaching, I'm hoping that it doesn't get too crowded, but even when I'm flying out on a weekday, SMF is pretty busy!! If you're ever at the Escape Lounge in SMF and recoginze me, feel free to say hi! I'll be the one watching RUclips / editing my YT videos 🤣
@@TheCreditFrog ha! I’ve never even been to the lounge at SMF. I just show up to the airport last minute and zip through pre check. For bigger airports I’ll stop by lounges. It’s too bad platinum took away the free lounge access for family, that makes me not want to grab the card anymore since I don’t travel alone usually. Guess I’m stick with the VX for now.
I am getting a little frustrated with Capital One and their lounges. I got the card two months after it came out and I’ve been waiting on the lounge in Denver forever. I travel through DIA quite often, and it should’ve been done over a year ago.
@@JB-pk1jx Oh man, that's too bad, but at least Denver is on their list of lounges to open! I've been to the Centurion there, which is pretty nice and big, but luckily it wasn't that crowded when I went there. Not sure how it is now, but I've noticed lounges have been filling up quickly since summer is almost here!
@@TheCreditFrog I’m going to Vegas next month, do you usually stay at centurion lounge there? I have about a 5 hour layover there before an international flight:
@@JB-pk1jx Yup! I've been to the Centurion Lounge there - it's quite nice, but super busy, especially on Sundays and holidays! I would get there as early as you can since every time I've gone, I've had to wait in a queue. You can join the queue early through your Amex app, which is helpful while you navigate to Terminal D where the lounge is located.