I think they are low-key giving it a more luxury hotel cc profile and pooling $$ back to their luxury brand. Hence the new $400/semi-annual Hilton "resorts" credit + $100 exp credit. They're likely trying to give it range with the $50/qtr airline fee credit, but I think miss the audience they're card is supposedly aiming at by a few feet not making it a 1-time $200 general airline fee credit. Overall, with a few tweaks, along with a larger global footprint, they may be eyeing that #1 spot in a cpl yrs.
@@nubianpwr Definitely! I think that this is pretty clear when we look at that $400 Hilton Resorts credit. Like you said, they are definitely pushing towards a more luxury client, but the other credit doesn't fit as well. We'll definitely have to see how things play out, but right now, they're definitely try to separate the luxury travelers to the Aspire and the "regular" travelers to the Surpass.
You're spot on Stan. I'm an Amex loyalist for 29 years, but whether Amex or any other bank, I don't want to have to put in time-draining laborious effort to utilize the 'benefits' that are touted by these issuers. And I'm even more resistant to do this labor if I'm actually paying the issuer by way of an annual fee. 'Premium' goods and services are supposed to make life more effective (and maybe easier), and offer advantage, not make me worn out.
Thanks Sean! Wow, you've been an Amex customer longer than some of us have been alive! That's incredible! I agree with you that these statement credits are really starting to get ridiculous because it really is more work than it really should be. Paying for an AF should make life easier, not harder! Life should be easier with these products, and I'm with you on that! Amex has to tread carefully for those of us who are getting worn down by the statement credits because tbh, there are other issuers out there that could benefit from our business!
Thank you for keeping it real and giving you personal opinion. I’m getting tired of RUclipsrs just riding the hype and AMEX fanboys being cheerleaders. You just made me become a new daily follower as long as you’re keeping it real.💪🏽
Thanks for the shoutout, Stan! Great breakdown. I think the trend is the sock drawer cards are going away. Issuers want these cards swiped and I can’t blame them. Set ups should be shrinking!!!!!
Of course, Uncle Luke! I totally agree, but as someone who sock drawers, not a fan, haha! Also, I realized after I recorded this that I kept saying you're a Hilton loyalist, but I think you operate more as a hotel free agent with IHG and Choice in your lineup, but I think it's safe to say that you prefer to stay at Hiltons, if possible, of course, depending on the property? Fun livestream yesterday - great info and perspective on this groundbreaking news!
Agree with your analysis. I dumped the Platinum when they went overboard with credits and coupon clipping (and hit cardholders hard with authorized user fees and high AF). I replaced it with the Surpass. It's annoying. We use Hiltons in two separate quarters. I would only keep the card for the gold status, at this point. I think the Venture X is starting to make more sense for me.
Thanks Len! Yeah, the couponing is really starting to get out of hand in the Amex ecosystem; although, I think it's good that you have the Surpass card since objectively, it's a great card for the occasional Hilton traveler. Not sure how much the PP benefit meant to you, but if you replaced the Platinum with the Surpass card as the primary, the VX would be a great card to become that primary travel card. With going to Hiltons at least twice in separate quarters, you've at least knocked down the EAF to $50, which is better than the previous $95 AF on the old Surpass so at least you have that going for you!
Have you considered the Altitude Reserve instead of the VX? Even simpler to get positive value since you don’t have to be locked into using transfer partners
These cards are for Hilton loyalists, or at least for those people that would actually use the cards at Hilton properties. You would have to be to enjoy and speak on the full benefit of keeping these cards. For example, I had a recent trip to NY. I received an upgraded room. The Hilton hotel gave me a $36 meal credit for every meal ($72 per day) which I enjoyed a total of 5 meals for a savings of $180. I received a total of 52k points for my stay which is enough for a free night at a low end end Hilton property in Orlando, which I travel to often. 10k more points for up to 2 nights at a lower end property or one mid tier property in Orlando. I did not even maximize the benefits of the card but I have already received $400 - $500 of value back for a $900 trip and have almost made up the cost of the annual fee.
Yeah, that sounds like you've really maximized the value on your Hilton card! It sounds like from even one Hilton trip, you came out super far ahead which is great to hear! The Hilton breakfast benefit is one of their best perks for sure! If you stack up the value on that card, it's definitely well worth it, even without the statement credits as you mentioned! These cards are more tailored now to those who stay at Hiltons regularly to get the most amount of value! Having said that, Amex could have just left the statement credits as annual, so the statement credits are getting harder to use, but in your situation, it seems like this is just icing on the cake!
@@WhatsThePoints1My total spend before the meal credit was a little over $1000 for which i got 20x for being a diamond member (which comes with having the card). Hilton had and still currently has a 2x offer on stay which brought me to 40k points. The Aspire card made up the rest of the points which came from the 14x on hotel spend and 7x from the restaurant.
Great detailed video Stan. I gave you and a few others the info on the Hilton changes because I knew you would get a video out faster than i would hahaha. Ive already gotten all the Hilton cards so I'm good
Thanks Sledge! Yes, I appreciate you brother bringing this to my attention while I was still sleeping on the West coast, haha! I wish I could've got this video out earlier, but the best I could do was get working on it right after I came back from home yesterday! You're lucky that you were able to get all Hilton cards already with that lower MSR because these new spending requirements are much higher with not as many points to compensate!
Totally agree with your assessment here Stan. I definitely think the Quarterly & SemiAnnual Credits are super annoying and it just makes us all as consumers do a lot more work to actually be able to maximize the Credits, instead of just using them all at once. Great video as always!
Thanks Matt! These credits will definitely be the end of me! We have to do so much work on cards that we pay for, and that to me is pretty backwards. Having an annual statement credit here and there is fine - but IMO Amex is getting a little ridiculous!
I agree with you Stan. I think it is a slight NERF because of the coupons. It is hard to use all the credits when one has a busy life, as well as other cards.
For sure John! There's never a need to search for complexity since it tends to find you! I think the credits can still work for the right person, but that person ain't me or you 🤣
For sure LK! I think they're banking on the luxury clients on the Aspire card to not even consider the $200 Airline credit because it's not worth their time so they can "say" that you gain net positive value with the statement credits.
Stan the man with another excellent analysis! You described my situation perfectly. I prefer marriot, but was thinking about a hilton card in the future. I just wasn’t sure which to apply for. Good looking out 👍🏼
Of course, Doc! Yeah, I'm also in a similar situation where I want to eventually get a Hilton card, but I'm waiting for the right moment to start the ladder!!
That's awesome Gideon! I'm glad that the changes worked out for your situation! Not everyone will be happy with the changes, but there are definitely pros and cons depending on your travel habits!
Great breakdown Stan! Similar to you, I've never really been involved in Hilton, and also agree how there's some mixed feelings about the updates here. Also this video seems less/unscripted! How do you feel about it vs. a typical video?
Thanks Kevin! Yeah, it's fun to look from an outsider's POV, but in my situation, as someone who does not stay at Hilton's regularly, this change is more negative for sure because of the statement credits. Yes, this video was definitely unscripted. I think it was definitely fun to make because I was able to pour out my unfiltered thoughts about this topic, which can be polarizing, depending on the side of the fence you were on! I also has less edits so it took much less than time than a typical video!
Of course! Surpass is a great card for the Hilton traveler! It just sucks that there's no FNA associated with the card unless you want to drop $15k on it.
I agree with you, my thoughts too, hate those coupons. Also airline quarterly credits make me sick, why I will use Hilton card and forgo free bags, executive boarding, lounge access to United or AA. Benefits I will lose much greater than $50.
Hah! That's a very good points! It doesn't make sense to use the Hilton card for airfare if you already have a perfectly good airline card for those elevated perks and benefits! It's almost as if Amex expects us not to use the $50 credits for the reasons you mentioned. But it still works for incidentals so maybe that's their way to say "see, look it works for airfare now" but it's basically useless for the reason you mentioned. Great catch! Very sneaky and evil of them.
Yeah, I’m surprised so many people used PP on these cards - I honestly had no idea, but luckily there are plenty of cards out there with it, both with Amex and also with other issuers
This is spot on Stan. Love how you broke this down. These changes could definitely be good for some but not me too. The surpass still interests me even with the annoying quarterly credit. The surpass got a downgrade if you have multiple AMEX cards with so many credits idk how y’all do it lol!
Thanks Aaron! It sounds like we're in the same boat and feel that these are overall negative changes. I also agree that the Surpass is probably the most compelling Hilton card for me at this point, but I also can't get over that quarterly credit! Yeah, as someone with multiple Amex cards (for now), there's just way too many credits flying around, and it is getting ridiculous!!
A $550 annual fee credit card with no lounge access is just crazy. What this tells me is that theirs another annual increase ($650) coming to this card that will include unlimited Priority Pass Select access.
@@TheCreditFrog Yes, I actually see them either giving us back that Priority Pass at no extra cost, or by increasing the annual fee again to $650 which would include unlimited Priority Pass access like that of the Bonvoy Brilliant which is a $650 annual fee card with unlimited Priority Pass access. Like I said before, a $550 annual fee card with no lounge access is just crazy!
@@TheCreditFrog this may explain why they’ve made the SUB churning strategy so much more regimented recently (I.e. having to get the gold before the platinum and such).
I was planning a trip with my wife to the Maldives, and the Hilton Aspire card was a big part of my plan. With these quarterly and semi-annual credits, I'm going to have to rethink my strategy. I'm not a Hilton loyalist, so I think I'd be hard pressed to use the credits every quarter or twice a year, rather than just in one big purchase. I think the changes are good if you're a Hilton loyalist and stay with them a few times a year, bad for free agents, or people who don't travel too often
Agreed Scott! Yeah, the FNA is still a great perk on the card, but now with these annoying statement credits, it becomes a more complex decision to keep or cancel this card even though you get net positive value, at least theoretically. As someone who is occasionally staying at Hiltons, I think you'll have to weigh the pros and cons, but if you redeem that FNA for a Maldives trip, you could still come out ahead with the $550 AF without even worrying about the statement credits.
If they’re going to make all these credits yearly/quarterly/weekly, why can’t we pay the AF installments? I’m sure AmEx would be annoyed, though at least they know how it is for us
Hah! While I get the spirit of what you're recommending, I think that would be a W for Amex and still a L for us since they get that extra transaction fee (pretty sure it would still count) and we have to remember when we get our quarterly charges instead of annual charge. There would be so many charges to keep track of!
I agree! The old colors fit the brand very well! I don't know what they were thinking when they redesigned the card. Maybe they wanted to save on materials or something 🤔
I could care less about losing Priority Pass because that's getting nerfed by the lounges themselves anyway. The airline credit is a great change for me, because now when I fly direct on Allegiant to Las Vegas (the only option for non-stop where I live!) a few times a year, then the credit will apply without wonder did I jump through the hoops correctly.
That's awesome! Yeah, it looks like you found a great use-case for your situation to get value out of your airline credit! Just have to remember to fly to Vegas four times a year, which I'm sure is something that you wouldn't mind doing 🙂!
Great video stan! I think the statement credit hoops are win win for amex. Their goal is to have the elite customers who dont care about a 50 dollar wasted credit here or there because its not worth their time. While simultaneously attracting the middle class who will get sucked in by the prospect of value and forget a credit here and there. And if youre low spend amex just doesnt even want you. Which is the pop up jail etc.
Haha Sean! I totally agree, and I think you make a great point about the types of customers Amex is going for! For the big spenders, the $50 quarterly credit is not worth their time. The question is for us as credit card enthusiasts, and how we should approach this since we all like to maximize all the value possible without getting too annoyed lol. Amex is the controller, and we have to play within their rules until the rules are too ridiculous, and that's why competition is good so there are alternative options. Sadly, if you like Hilton, this is where we're at for now!
100% agree! Amex is a marketing machine and have really positioned themselves so well. They're a bank but more than the other issuers they're a BRAND. Much like gucci or any luxury brand their preferred customer gets all their stuff, but they still have products regular people can obtain to push their brand. For gucci its colognes or sunglasses for Amex its low fee cards. Wells fargo or citi need to do something or this won't stop. Have a good weekend brother!
Of course! Yeah, at least they left the Hilton Business card alone! I have that card as well but probably will be canceling soon. Definitely with you about these changes - definitely a negative move IMO!
The new changes should be a positive for most people. However, not for Leo,.. for Leo this changes are a $350 devaluation for me 😰. Still, till death do us apart. Happy Friday 🍻😎
For sure Leo! Yeah, it's going to definitely depend on your own individual situation, and I know there are a lot of people who will welcome this chage! Especially a premium travel card connoisseur like you! Happy Friday brother! It's 5 o'clock somewhere! 🍸
Thanks for the frank info. I feel the same at you on most points. I really regret missing the 747 Delta card...wasn't aware though I have their platuinun. I did score the Hilton Biz card for the 5 free nights and elevated points recently. So suck it AMEX. 😁
Of course! Yeah, that 747 promotion was definitely unique so I hopped on it, and it fortunately had a good SUB that I could get as well. Awesome that you got the 5 FNA SUB - that was the best SUB I've ever seen on that card so you snagged a great one!!
Surprised they didn't update the Business Hilton at the same time. Hate the credits spread out over the year but get why they did it. At least they didn't touch the free night reward (assuming they have kept it uncapped). That is a nice $200-500 value easily. So yes I still want the Aspire and feel like my Surpass got a bit of an upgrade despite the higher annual fee with the $50 quarterly credit at any Hilton property. I can get use of half the resort credit at $200 (just can't see now staying at a limited number of resorts twice a year and even once might be hard), $200 flight credit pretty easy to use, and a minimum value on the free night of $200 (more like $400-600) and it covers the annual fee. Property credit and Clear credit also probably wouldn't get used by me as I have on other cards. Probably would get some value out of the Diamond status too even if a bit unquantifiable (early and late check in/out for example).
Nice! It sounds like you have a solid strategy to get value from the Surpass and Aspire cards. There are so many statement credits at this point to keep track of, but if you can make use of them throughout the year, like you said, there's a lot of positive value upside on both of these cards. I'm glad that they didn't make any changes to the business card, but I'm sure one is in the works for sure! I'm also happy they didn't touch the FNA either because that would, for sure, caused a huge uproar. And, of course, Diamond status is key for those upgrades as well as free breakfast while you're at the hotels and would get you a TON of value depending on how many Hilton properties you visit in a given year!
@@TheCreditFrog Well have been pop up blocked for the Aspire last 2 times I tried to get it but will keep trying. Got the Surpass a few months back and was able to get it via a special Hilton link. Had an elevated points offering plus the free night bonus which was awesome. Sadly hit the welcome offer in August and still have not gotten the points or free night cert yet. Also have 4 Amex credit cards right now so might be at my limit unless they let me have the 5th so hoping I can use a 5th spot for the Aspire. Plan was to eventually upgrade the Surpass to an Aspire as well but with the higher annual fee I might have to rethink that especially since Surpass has the very usable $200 credit on any Hilton stay vs $400 on resort stays. 1 year on the card isn't until July 2024 anyway so plenty of time to decide on that
Since I’m not ready to dive head first completely with Hilton, I grabbed the Honors and got the 70k/FNC Bonus back in July. I was prepared for rough changes. But these aren’t too bad. And until I’m ready to dive in completely; the Honors is great. I’m curious about the Surpass credits and the Airline credits as well; but overall the changes aren’t as terrible as I feared they’d be. Loss of Priority pass will hurt some, but other cards can cover. Aspire is still a pretty strong top level Hotel travel card. But yeah, I can see how some of these changes can be a turn off. Great video, thank you Stan!
That's awesome that you got a great SUB on the HH Matt! Yeah, I think we were all expecting much worse with a higher AF, but comparatively, the statement credits do make up for the AF increase, it's just the way that those credits are presented (quarterly/semi-annually) are annoying, hah! I had the same reaction as Luke when he commented on the people going up in arms about the PP. I didn't realize so many people used PP on the Surpass card! The Aspire is also a strong card, but that $400 credit is for Hilton Resorts only, and so it's a little more difficult to use than I think people want to admit. Resorts also tend to be more expensive, but the Aspire is really for those luxury travelers, and I think Amex is driving home that point. Appreciate you being here Matt, and your commentary on YT news is always excellent as well!
@@TheCreditFrog thank you sir! I appreciate it (this grind is HARD)! For the credits, I appreciate Quarterly and 2x/per as they are at least easier to manage, but agree that annually would be WAY better for everyone. The monthly credits and tracking is a big reason I’m avoiding AmEx right now; it’s too much on top of the monthly/quarterly credits on my CSR. I wish they’d be easier over all. But it is what it is.
Hey Stan great video great content, and fyi for your data points I think Amx is doing it already, I applied last year for the Surpass and got it and I applied for the Hilton Honors card when they had I think 130,00 or 140,000 points for $3,000 spend and was put in pop up jail. I agree with you might need to start working from low to high and not miss any SUB's. Little disappointed in Amx for making these drastic moves so when my annual fee hits I will just downgrade to the no annual fee card. I still have the Hilton Honors Business card which for right now still have the 10 passes for the lounges. Keep that content coming. Thanks for sharing
Thanks Clausell! Always great to hear from you, and thanks for providing your data point on the elevated Surpass SUB! Sorry about pop-up jail, but as you know, it's not just you that this is happening to! Great to hear that you have the Business card for the PP lounges, and as for the Surpass, at least you have some time to use the card and reassess to see if it's still worth it for you, but yeah, that NAF option will always be available when you need it!
I would add that the Hilton Business Card would probably be a way to avoid the family language issues and still end up with a Hilton SUB if you were SUB hunting
Great point Keith! Yeah, Amex has left the business cards alone so they are still a great way to get sign-up bonuses without the welcome offer tiered language!
I agree with you. Not worth it. I got the surpass for the hotel and priority pass benefits but with pp being gone, I may have to close the account. Super disappointed.
Dang yeah, a lot more people than I realized had the Surpass card for the Priority Pass. The coupons more than make up the AF, but it may just be more trouble than it's worth if you don't stay at a Hilton property at least once per quarter.
I’m glad I applied for the Surpass in December 2023 under the 170k point signing bonus which expired January 17, 2024. Today, January 18, 2024, the new signing bonus is back down to 130K. Welcome to the matrix.
Bravo Maestro Stan! Like all your Videos very well explained, that so The average Jose can comprehend. Thank you Sensei. Shout-out to Maestro Sebby and Maestro uncle Luke.💳⌚🛎️
Pretty much everyone has coupon features nowadays. No issuer wants you to sock drawer a card anymore. I think the changes are fine and in line with the AF hike. Thanks for the info + video!
Of course, Jimmy James! I agree that no issuer wants to be a sock drawer card, but the question is how far they're willing to go before the statement credits are too annoying and then people (like myself) just stop using their cards altogether and move on to a different issuer? Higher AFs can be justified by the changes, but semi-annual/quarterly credits are inconvenient and unnecessary, but I get where Amex as a business is coming from!
@@TheCreditFrog Oh I agree. The couponing + increase in AFs = rethinking my setup. I'll ride out the Hilton changes for a year and see how it goes as we have some travel plans with the FNCs earned this year. Will more than likely dump the AMEX Gold and look at moving away from MR pts.
I chose the no fee Hilton card. The multipliers are not much different for gas, restaurants and groceries between the no fee and the Surpass and between those two, online retail would be 4x on Surpass would be 3x on the regular. Restaurants is 1x differential between all 3 cards at 5x, 6x and 7x respecially. They are all 3x on everything else. Their multipliers are weird. Its at Hilton hotels obviously where you obviously gain the most at 7x, 12x and 14x respectively.
A lot of people have told me that the Surpass + Aspire is a pretty nice combo for the end game once you work up the ladder. I like how the Surpass covers a lot of helpful categories. The regular Hilton Honors is a solid choice too - definitely gets you set up to get the welcome offers (or upgrade offers) on the higher tier Hilton cards!
@@TheCreditFrog Good point. Last 2 cruises I went to, I took one of each card network to increase my chances of acceptance and decrease my chance of nonacceptance. It was a good strategy and good call.
Statement credits are there to reward the types of customers they want, mainly super users. Pretty sure Amex and Hilton are fine when people use up 100% of the credits because those types are much more likely to be the target customers they want. I think we need to realize this is the way the meta is going. If you’re not a super user or in the target demo, you’re going to have to figure out how to use credits to your advantage, or pay the fee if you want the benefits. The travel credit card game was already “pay to play” anyway
I definitely see your point of view here. Amex for sure wants super users - or in this case, true Hilton loyalists that stay at their properties regularly. As a loyalist, I don't think using these credits are going to be particularly difficult - although the airline credit is a little more general and difficult to use than a dining credit, for example, like the one on the Bonvoy Brilliant card. Ultimately, travel cards are pay to play like you mentioned. But once you put the money in, it's all about maximizing that value out. Some people don't mind working a little bit more for that value, but some do, like myself, and so I think that's going to determine whether you view these changes as positive or negative.
Yeah, you and a lot of others are probably feeling the same way! Losing an annual credit and gaining annoying semi-annual and quarterly credits is such a low blow, but expected decision from Amex.
Thanks! Yeah, these semi-annual and quarterly statement credits are incredibly inconvenient, and for those who don't travel as much, it's much harder to get that value!
I appreciated the long form video here and agree it’s exhausting the way these credits are turning out. Im a fan of the changes , and it could have been worse imo.
Thanks so much Ninja! Yes, this is the format where I could get the information out as quick as possible. I think the general consensus is that the changes aren't that bad, and it could be worse, but having these quarterly/monthly credits is not a trend that I want being followed!
Alright Stan need you to talk me out of getting the Aspire with no SUB just for the annoying credits because I want the Clear credit and diamond status. I’m still in pop up jail on personal cards
No problem! The Aspire credits are not worth it IMO. The $200 Hilton Resort credit is restrictive and you have to use it twice a year, and there are a lot of better cards use for airline charges and not have touse it on an Aspire card 4 times per year. Hilton Gold is really all you need to get the free breakfast, which is sufficient for most US stays since upgrades are not as plentiful, even as a Diamond. CLEAR is ok, but they recently started checking IDs randomly more often so now I don't even bother using them. TSA Pre-Check is more important.
Didn’t the Surpass have a free night certificate every year? If so , then that also went away. But it’s still a good card. Especially in Thailand. You can stay at Hilton Hua Hin for $65 a night. The quarterly credit will drop that to $15 for that night. Not too bad. It’s a decent property.
Yeah, it's incredible how much value you can get on these properties in Thailand! I hope to go there one day and see it for myself! As for the Surpass, it never had a FNA every year, but instead had one if you spent $15k on the card. The only Hilton card with an automatic annual FNA was the Aspire card!
I love the resort credit change, and I hate the airline credit change, but given it's easier for me to take advantage of the larger resort credit, it's an overall plus for me. Also, the metal card is nice but late.
Nice! Yeah, if you stay at Hilton Resorts, it's definitely great to have that expanded credit! I'm not super familiar with Hilton Resorts so I don't know how common they are or how much more they're expensive than regular properties, but if it fits your lifestyle, than I would take the W! I think a lot of people in your position probably also relate with the airline credit being super annoying and useless to them. And with the metal card, you know what they say - better late than never!
The new look of the Hilton Surpass and Aspire which I actually like, looks similar to that of the “AMEX Charles Schwab Investor Card”. And maybe they are trying to tell us something with that white Hilton Honors card, like maybe the Apple Card is coming to the AMEX lineup soon 😆
Oh yeah, I can see the resemblance to the Schwab Investor card! I will say the design looks a lot more sleek than before! And yes there are those rumors about the Apple Card, but now with the Amex Companion card and Hilton Honors card, there's more white cards than ever before so we'll have to see what happens!
I currently have the Honors & Surpass cards. I received the first 130K bonus and free night on the Surpass and awaiting the 100K bonus on the Honors and another free night as I signed up with the elevated free night SUB. That’s 230K plus points plus two free nights. With the changes I will wait to refer my wife for the Honors card for a better SUB and most likely down grade my Surpass next year, as I don’t see the value in the Aspire any longer unless the SUB is outstanding and cancel after a year like you said. Thoughts?
Wow! Those are some solid SUBs on the HH and Surpass cards. Bravo! You definitely worked the system there. I think the plan of waiting to refer your wife for the HH card when there's a better SUB is exactly what I would do. The nice thing about Amex's referral program is that even if you have only the HH card, you can still refer out for the Surpass and Aspire cards so you can pick and choose which SUB would be best at that time. And who knows? With the HH card, you may also get targeted for an upgrade offer as well!
For sure Rishard. These credits are net positive, but definitely are a lot more difficult to use! That keep or cancel decision just got a lot more difficult?
Yeah, it is such a pain! Annual credits are ok, but anything more frequent is just being annoying about it. It's great that you're able to get value with only no annual fee cards!
The new credits start immediately, but the new AF takes effect on 2/1/24. Your existing benefits are still grandfathered in from what I understand, but will not renew next year.
Idk if im wrong, but didnt the aspire card used to give the free night as soon as you're approved? Cause im reading the terms and they say the renewal year👀
Yes, the FNA is every year. I just looked at the terms and at the beginning, it says that you get a FNA “during each year of card membership” so this should work for even the year you get the card as well!
I would say Chase 5/24 because it really limits you from getting great Chase card sign-up bonuses. Amex statement credits are also bad, but in the frame of SUBs, in particular, if you only apply for an Amex card for the SUB and cancel after year 1, as long as you get an elevated SUB when you get approved, you will always come out ahead and you can ignore the statement credits if you want.
I'm reading in between the lines here, but it sounds like you have a Platinum card already, and the Gold card SUB may not be offered to you. If this is the case, I think it's almost a blessing in disguise because now you don't have to deal with 2 monthly credits than you otherwise would. And there are tons of cards that are great for grocery spend that are not the Gold card, both in and out of the Amex family!
@@TheCreditFrogyes exactly. got platinum about 8 months ago because it met my needs for travel best and didn't need the Gold due to having grocery on my Flex right now through end of year at 5x. was going to get Gold in January for primary grocery card. Seems so silly to punish people paying annual fee of the premium Platinum when the cards are so radically different. Guess someone else is getting the spend on my #2 biggest monthly spend category then. I contacted Amex customer service and shared how dumb this was too
@@TheCreditFrog PS I am team points so that eliminates some of the cards with good grocery multipliers and also a challenge as some other ecosystems are so stringent on applications for too many inquiries or new card openings (ie Capital One and Citi) that is also limits options. Was always the plus with Amex of course that if in the ecosystem it was relatively easy to get more cards with them plus the soft pulls
@@412foto Yeah, I was not a fan of this change either. Amex is really starting to push away a lot of users, but I think they're doing so on purpose to try to target people that will spend money on their cards regularly without question. We know better, and fortunately, there are plenty of other options out there to choose from so we can certainly vote with our feet!
Great points all around Stan! Especially on the way the card looks haha, very corporate but it’s also growing on me for whatever reason. And also love the points about having more on your plate and more to think about, something to keep in mind before you get burnout!
Thanks Tony! Haha, I'm glad that the new card designs are growing on you! I'm looking forward to some of these card reveals to see what the card looks like in person because maybe it'll look better that way! And I'm definitely very close to statement credit burnout with the new Amex Business Gold credit. Luckily, I don't have a Hilton card (yet), but if you have a lot of cards with a lot of statement credits, you'll definitely get gray hair sooner rather than later!
I got the Hilton aspire card last year for traveling in Europe. I did not feel like a diamond member and i am not an aspirational traveler. So with these changes i am going to cancel this card and get the platinum and or gold, slash both. Not sure yet. I am not someone who will spend like they want so its time for me to go.
Oh, that's interesting! I don't do much international travel, but I was under the impression that having elevated status overseas usually gets you a pretty great experience overall. I feel your sentiment, and I'm the same way. Thinking of ditching Amex for other issuers that aren't as ridiculous!
I am considering a second hotel card to go along with my Marriott Bonvoy Boundless. I was thinking my wife would get a second hotel chain card (Hilton, Hyatt or IHG). Or should we just double down on Marriott as we frequent that chain?
I think if your wife got a hotel card with another chain, that would be better because then both of you would have options! I personally stay at Marriotts, but I also stay at Hiltons every so often so having that flexibility is pretty nice!
Yep definitely for loyalists. Probably what they should’ve been in the first place. But most of us got spoiled with having the cards just for certain benefits and rarely ever staying at Hiltons.
Haha, you’re so right about being spoiled! The Aspire card should really be for only the die-hard Hilton loyalists, and the refresh definitely makes this clear. It just sucks that they traded their annual credits for a semi-annual and monthly to make their point 🙁
@@TheCreditFrogSUPER annoying lol. I tip my hat to them though because it’s definitely a great way to accomplish their objective. I haven’t spent much time on hotel cards other than the Hilton ones, but maybe it’s now time to do so. And in the name of the credit card game, changes (whether we like them or not) are a way to keep things dynamic.
It’s a good reminder that credit card companies are not your friend. With Amex, if you’re not spending that money that way anyway, you’re not going to win. The target audience for these cards is a very specific person. If it ain’t you, do something else
Absolutely Elliott! For as much as we want to believe banks and credit cards are on our side, they're ultimately in the business of making money, and specifically with Amex, they're targeting a certain type of consumer for sure!
If you like the coupon book strategy, the Platinum still does it best. The problem with the Hilton updates is that it’s a lot harder to stay at Hilton’s four times a year every three months, also bear in mind the RESORT thing. Resort credits are like 2% of all Hilton properties so unless I’m mistaken you’re in trouble if you think you got $400 coming to you at your next stay at the JFK Hampton Inn
@@elliottnixon-wq6sp Yeah, the resort credit on the Aspire card is super limiting so it really targets those people who stay at Hilton properties a lot - the true Hilton loyalists! We’ll see how this plays out but the Aspire is no longer a card that is easily kept past year 1 for a lot of people!
@@TheCreditFrog with the increasing coupon book changes the business card looks like a nice compromise for a mid tier Hilton card and it's still $95...
@@youtube.experiment I agree. I think if you wanted something that is more like the legacy Surpass card, the Hilton Business is a great option. Also a great card to get Hilton Gold status and PP if you don't have a card like the Platinum!
Hah! I wish, but I think these new designs are here to stay. And yeah, Amex has been very irritating with a lot of their changes! Not much good news from them recently.
@@TheCreditFrogIt was a joke . Sometimes I think. Where's the break even point.650 AF 550 AF 150 AF 550 AF .If I saved that money would I need a free night certificate? Am I really saving year after year or is it perceived savings.After the intro bonus the value drops off significantly
Also something the fanboys miss- I don’t think resort credits should ever be valued at face value; they should be thought of as discounts. Because when you shop around usually you can find better value per dollar if you aren’t banking on loyalty upgrades which are rare in the US. And despite what Uncle Luke says unless you’re churning multiple Hilton cards the points will be weak and only 1 FNC per year kinda forces you into spending out of pocket for a second night because one night stays are whack. Loyalty is overrated
I agree with you. The Hilton Resort credits is just a way to get you in the door to a Hilton Resort property. Very unlikely that you're going to be staying there for just $200. There's definitely going to be more charges after that! Loyalty upgrades are pretty rare in the US like you said so I don't even consider them to be a real benefit in hotel loyalty programs. The only one that really matters to me is the free breakfast!
@@TheCreditFroganother thing that I find alarming is the inconsistency with bloggers between the value of trying to mostly or only travel on points vs the expectation that we’re supposed to spend a lot at expensive properties because that’s how you get the “most value” from these luxury cards. I feel like that’s not why I got into this whole game and I shouldn’t have to sacrifice being able to stay at decent to nice properties because I want to also be conscious of luxury spend
@@WhatsThePoints1 It's true. When I travel on points on vacations, I inevitably spend money that I shouldn't have, whether it be on food, tours, entertainment, etc. So these trips are not really "free." I think it's much better to call these trips subsidized, and hopefully, "heavily" subsidized.
Would I be able to purchase gift cards for the Airline credit? I don't see my self flying each quarter so it would be great to buy a airline gift card for the $200 airline credit.
I'm not sure - there were some data points from the previous airline incidental credit where that could work, but with this new credit, I think it's going to come down to trial and error. At least you don't have to select a specific airline!
I'm not entirely sure, but my first guess would be no. This is because the lobby bar doesn't necessarily code as "Hilton" but if you stay at a Hilton and charge the hotel bar charge to the room, it'll be on the itemized statement for your "Hilton" stay and then count. Not sure though.
Do you think the Hilton business card is next? I hope not. I got it solely for the 10 Priority passes. I can only think it will also change like the surpass. I think Amex is over hauling the entire line of credit cards. I got a survey the other day about my BB plus card. In pop jail and all these changes has me not having Amex as my favorite bank anymore
I think the Hilton Business is definitely going to be updated soon! There has been less changes on the business side, but with the Business Gold and its recent changes, I think Amex is capable of anything! Wonder what the survey was about for the BBP. I hope they aren’t adding an AF to that one!
@@TheCreditFrogalthough I don’t think they are adding an annual fee, the survey was more about that business card compared to the other business cards I have. Now today, I just got another survey in my email about the same card😐. That made me think that some changes to the card is definitely coming. I’ll reply once again when I take the survey…
I hope not! But they just refreshed this card just last year, so I think it's still got a couple more years in its lifespan before they start implementing a semi-monthly dining credit only at Milk Bar.
@@cjcab3158 Yeah, that monthly dining credit totally sucks. As someone who stays at a lot of Marriotts though, it's a necessary evil. I think that for those who stay at Hiltons, they could probably say the same about the refreshed Aspire card!
For sure, Michael! And Amex is showing no signs of stopping! It seems like there's a new statement credit every few months, and only the ones that nobody wants (monthly, quarterly, semi-annual)!
The Aspire can definitely still be an awesome card for the right person! Sounds like you are one of them so I'm happy that the changes work well for you! Looking at the Aspire and Surpass, the Surpass seems more up my alley, but like I said, I hope to get both of these cards in the future one day!
@@TheCreditFrog i currently have the aspire, surpass and hilton business, each with 150k sub. Ill wait till the no fee card has a FNC in the sub. Hopefully the family rule doesn’t kill that for me
I like the changes AMEX made to both cards. With the Aspire there’s no need to use the credits to offset the annual fee, just use the free night and enjoy the Diamond benefits. With the Aspire credits are just icing on the cake if you want to get more value. As a Hilton loyalist I like those changes, it made the 👑 of hotel cards even better. Great video and information brother! Keep up the great work!🫵
Thank you César! Yeah, if you can get an amazing FNA redemption, you could probably definitely get great value from the $550 annual fee. I think that the maximizers out there always want to get value out of the statement credits, but I see where you're coming from! I know how you feel about Hilton and since you stay there so much, I'm sure you're very happy with the new credits and possibilities to have net positive value from the Aspire every single year. Appreciate your support as always bro! 😎
What do you think of these new Hilton changes? Let me know down in the comments below 👇!
I think they are low-key giving it a more luxury hotel cc profile and pooling $$ back to their luxury brand. Hence the new $400/semi-annual Hilton "resorts" credit + $100 exp credit. They're likely trying to give it range with the $50/qtr airline fee credit, but I think miss the audience they're card is supposedly aiming at by a few feet not making it a 1-time $200 general airline fee credit. Overall, with a few tweaks, along with a larger global footprint, they may be eyeing that #1 spot in a cpl yrs.
@@nubianpwr Definitely! I think that this is pretty clear when we look at that $400 Hilton Resorts credit. Like you said, they are definitely pushing towards a more luxury client, but the other credit doesn't fit as well. We'll definitely have to see how things play out, but right now, they're definitely try to separate the luxury travelers to the Aspire and the "regular" travelers to the Surpass.
@@TheCreditFrog exactly
You're spot on Stan. I'm an Amex loyalist for 29 years, but whether Amex or any other bank, I don't want to have to put in time-draining laborious effort to utilize the 'benefits' that are touted by these issuers. And I'm even more resistant to do this labor if I'm actually paying the issuer by way of an annual fee. 'Premium' goods and services are supposed to make life more effective (and maybe easier), and offer advantage, not make me worn out.
Thanks Sean! Wow, you've been an Amex customer longer than some of us have been alive! That's incredible! I agree with you that these statement credits are really starting to get ridiculous because it really is more work than it really should be. Paying for an AF should make life easier, not harder! Life should be easier with these products, and I'm with you on that! Amex has to tread carefully for those of us who are getting worn down by the statement credits because tbh, there are other issuers out there that could benefit from our business!
😅😊
Thank you for keeping it real and giving you personal opinion. I’m getting tired of RUclipsrs just riding the hype and AMEX fanboys being cheerleaders. You just made me become a new daily follower as long as you’re keeping it real.💪🏽
Of course, Lawrence! I like to keep it real - that's how I roll and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future! Thanks for the support 👍!
Thanks for the shoutout, Stan! Great breakdown. I think the trend is the sock drawer cards are going away. Issuers want these cards swiped and I can’t blame them. Set ups should be shrinking!!!!!
Of course, Uncle Luke! I totally agree, but as someone who sock drawers, not a fan, haha! Also, I realized after I recorded this that I kept saying you're a Hilton loyalist, but I think you operate more as a hotel free agent with IHG and Choice in your lineup, but I think it's safe to say that you prefer to stay at Hiltons, if possible, of course, depending on the property? Fun livestream yesterday - great info and perspective on this groundbreaking news!
@@TheCreditFrog I’m primarily Hilton, at least until July 2024! That’s how far out I’m booked.
Agree with your analysis. I dumped the Platinum when they went overboard with credits and coupon clipping (and hit cardholders hard with authorized user fees and high AF). I replaced it with the Surpass. It's annoying. We use Hiltons in two separate quarters. I would only keep the card for the gold status, at this point. I think the Venture X is starting to make more sense for me.
Thanks Len! Yeah, the couponing is really starting to get out of hand in the Amex ecosystem; although, I think it's good that you have the Surpass card since objectively, it's a great card for the occasional Hilton traveler. Not sure how much the PP benefit meant to you, but if you replaced the Platinum with the Surpass card as the primary, the VX would be a great card to become that primary travel card. With going to Hiltons at least twice in separate quarters, you've at least knocked down the EAF to $50, which is better than the previous $95 AF on the old Surpass so at least you have that going for you!
Have you considered the Altitude Reserve instead of the VX? Even simpler to get positive value since you don’t have to be locked into using transfer partners
These cards are for Hilton loyalists, or at least for those people that would actually use the cards at Hilton properties. You would have to be to enjoy and speak on the full benefit of keeping these cards. For example, I had a recent trip to NY. I received an upgraded room. The Hilton hotel gave me a $36 meal credit for every meal ($72 per day) which I enjoyed a total of 5 meals for a savings of $180. I received a total of 52k points for my stay which is enough for a free night at a low end end Hilton property in Orlando, which I travel to often. 10k more points for up to 2 nights at a lower end property or one mid tier property in Orlando. I did not even maximize the benefits of the card but I have already received $400 - $500 of value back for a $900 trip and have almost made up the cost of the annual fee.
Yeah, that sounds like you've really maximized the value on your Hilton card! It sounds like from even one Hilton trip, you came out super far ahead which is great to hear! The Hilton breakfast benefit is one of their best perks for sure! If you stack up the value on that card, it's definitely well worth it, even without the statement credits as you mentioned! These cards are more tailored now to those who stay at Hiltons regularly to get the most amount of value! Having said that, Amex could have just left the statement credits as annual, so the statement credits are getting harder to use, but in your situation, it seems like this is just icing on the cake!
Ok ya gotta let us know how one stay earned you 52k points please
@@WhatsThePoints1My total spend before the meal credit was a little over $1000 for which i got 20x for being a diamond member (which comes with having the card). Hilton had and still currently has a 2x offer on stay which brought me to 40k points. The Aspire card made up the rest of the points which came from the 14x on hotel spend and 7x from the restaurant.
Great detailed video Stan. I gave you and a few others the info on the Hilton changes because I knew you would get a video out faster than i would hahaha. Ive already gotten all the Hilton cards so I'm good
Thanks Sledge! Yes, I appreciate you brother bringing this to my attention while I was still sleeping on the West coast, haha! I wish I could've got this video out earlier, but the best I could do was get working on it right after I came back from home yesterday! You're lucky that you were able to get all Hilton cards already with that lower MSR because these new spending requirements are much higher with not as many points to compensate!
@@TheCreditFrog And my annual fee hits next month hahaha... well at least I already have $50 of the travel credit
Totally agree with your assessment here Stan. I definitely think the Quarterly & SemiAnnual Credits are super annoying and it just makes us all as consumers do a lot more work to actually be able to maximize the Credits, instead of just using them all at once. Great video as always!
Thanks Matt! These credits will definitely be the end of me! We have to do so much work on cards that we pay for, and that to me is pretty backwards. Having an annual statement credit here and there is fine - but IMO Amex is getting a little ridiculous!
I agree with you Stan. I think it is a slight NERF because of the coupons. It is hard to use all the credits when one has a busy life, as well as other cards.
For sure John! There's never a need to search for complexity since it tends to find you! I think the credits can still work for the right person, but that person ain't me or you 🤣
What you said at 12:14 was spot on!!! - "Paying someone to make my life more complicated is not worth it!"
Thanks!
Absolutely Dugroz!! It makes no sense to do so! Complexity finds you in life, and at this point, I don’t want any more of it if I can help it!
I agree, Amex is expecting many credit card holders to forget about using the credit, thus losing out on value
For sure LK! I think they're banking on the luxury clients on the Aspire card to not even consider the $200 Airline credit because it's not worth their time so they can "say" that you gain net positive value with the statement credits.
Stan the man with another excellent analysis!
You described my situation perfectly.
I prefer marriot, but was thinking about a hilton card in the future. I just wasn’t sure which to apply for.
Good looking out 👍🏼
Of course, Doc! Yeah, I'm also in a similar situation where I want to eventually get a Hilton card, but I'm waiting for the right moment to start the ladder!!
The change does help me more. Sucks for the people it affects negatively.
That's awesome Gideon! I'm glad that the changes worked out for your situation! Not everyone will be happy with the changes, but there are definitely pros and cons depending on your travel habits!
Great breakdown Stan! Similar to you, I've never really been involved in Hilton, and also agree how there's some mixed feelings about the updates here. Also this video seems less/unscripted! How do you feel about it vs. a typical video?
Thanks Kevin! Yeah, it's fun to look from an outsider's POV, but in my situation, as someone who does not stay at Hilton's regularly, this change is more negative for sure because of the statement credits. Yes, this video was definitely unscripted. I think it was definitely fun to make because I was able to pour out my unfiltered thoughts about this topic, which can be polarizing, depending on the side of the fence you were on! I also has less edits so it took much less than time than a typical video!
So glad I got the 100-200k + 1 free night bonus for both Honors and Surpass earlier this year
Solid SUBs Gonzalo! Happy to hear that you got in before the change!
Surpass now a keeper. $200 easy to use Hilton credit with $150 fee. Great vid. thanks
Of course! Surpass is a great card for the Hilton traveler! It just sucks that there's no FNA associated with the card unless you want to drop $15k on it.
I like the embossed numbers because I frequently have to rewrite the number on the back of the card with sharpie because the printing has faded
Sounds like you may need a replacement card!
Also I know this isn’t a change but the US only multipliers on everything is wack for such expensive AF travel cards
Yeah, I agree. Typical American Express tbh. Not that surprised about it!
I agree with you, my thoughts too, hate those coupons. Also airline quarterly credits make me sick, why I will use Hilton card and forgo free bags, executive boarding, lounge access to United or AA. Benefits I will lose much greater than $50.
Hah! That's a very good points! It doesn't make sense to use the Hilton card for airfare if you already have a perfectly good airline card for those elevated perks and benefits! It's almost as if Amex expects us not to use the $50 credits for the reasons you mentioned. But it still works for incidentals so maybe that's their way to say "see, look it works for airfare now" but it's basically useless for the reason you mentioned. Great catch! Very sneaky and evil of them.
I cancelled my card. I don't mind paying the annual fee but it doesn't come with priority pass.
Yeah, I’m surprised so many people used PP on these cards - I honestly had no idea, but luckily there are plenty of cards out there with it, both with Amex and also with other issuers
Very great detailed breakdown on the new changes, thanks for sharing.
Of course! There were a lot of changes in this update!
This is spot on Stan. Love how you broke this down. These changes could definitely be good for some but not me too. The surpass still interests me even with the annoying quarterly credit. The surpass got a downgrade if you have multiple AMEX cards with so many credits idk how y’all do it lol!
Thanks Aaron! It sounds like we're in the same boat and feel that these are overall negative changes. I also agree that the Surpass is probably the most compelling Hilton card for me at this point, but I also can't get over that quarterly credit! Yeah, as someone with multiple Amex cards (for now), there's just way too many credits flying around, and it is getting ridiculous!!
A $550 annual fee credit card with no lounge access is just crazy. What this tells me is that theirs another annual increase ($650) coming to this card that will include unlimited Priority Pass Select access.
If there were back to back AF increases to the Aspire card, that would just be bananas 🍌🍌!
@@TheCreditFrog Yes, I actually see them either giving us back that Priority Pass at no extra cost, or by increasing the annual fee again to $650 which would include unlimited Priority Pass access like that of the Bonvoy Brilliant which is a $650 annual fee card with unlimited Priority Pass access. Like I said before, a $550 annual fee card with no lounge access is just crazy!
What they're accidentally doing is giving people more incentive to churn sign up bonuses and then move on to another card
That is a very good point, Bryan! That is the exact effect they're having on me, and I'm sure I'm not the only one!
@@TheCreditFrog this may explain why they’ve made the SUB churning strategy so much more regimented recently (I.e. having to get the gold before the platinum and such).
I was planning a trip with my wife to the Maldives, and the Hilton Aspire card was a big part of my plan. With these quarterly and semi-annual credits, I'm going to have to rethink my strategy. I'm not a Hilton loyalist, so I think I'd be hard pressed to use the credits every quarter or twice a year, rather than just in one big purchase.
I think the changes are good if you're a Hilton loyalist and stay with them a few times a year, bad for free agents, or people who don't travel too often
Agreed Scott! Yeah, the FNA is still a great perk on the card, but now with these annoying statement credits, it becomes a more complex decision to keep or cancel this card even though you get net positive value, at least theoretically. As someone who is occasionally staying at Hiltons, I think you'll have to weigh the pros and cons, but if you redeem that FNA for a Maldives trip, you could still come out ahead with the $550 AF without even worrying about the statement credits.
If they’re going to make all these credits yearly/quarterly/weekly, why can’t we pay the AF installments? I’m sure AmEx would be annoyed, though at least they know how it is for us
Hah! While I get the spirit of what you're recommending, I think that would be a W for Amex and still a L for us since they get that extra transaction fee (pretty sure it would still count) and we have to remember when we get our quarterly charges instead of annual charge. There would be so many charges to keep track of!
The embossed numbers may be gone, but I miss the old colors!
I agree! The old colors fit the brand very well! I don't know what they were thinking when they redesigned the card. Maybe they wanted to save on materials or something 🤔
I could care less about losing Priority Pass because that's getting nerfed by the lounges themselves anyway. The airline credit is a great change for me, because now when I fly direct on Allegiant to Las Vegas (the only option for non-stop where I live!) a few times a year, then the credit will apply without wonder did I jump through the hoops correctly.
That's awesome! Yeah, it looks like you found a great use-case for your situation to get value out of your airline credit! Just have to remember to fly to Vegas four times a year, which I'm sure is something that you wouldn't mind doing 🙂!
Great video stan! I think the statement credit hoops are win win for amex. Their goal is to have the elite customers who dont care about a 50 dollar wasted credit here or there because its not worth their time. While simultaneously attracting the middle class who will get sucked in by the prospect of value and forget a credit here and there.
And if youre low spend amex just doesnt even want you. Which is the pop up jail etc.
Haha Sean! I totally agree, and I think you make a great point about the types of customers Amex is going for! For the big spenders, the $50 quarterly credit is not worth their time. The question is for us as credit card enthusiasts, and how we should approach this since we all like to maximize all the value possible without getting too annoyed lol. Amex is the controller, and we have to play within their rules until the rules are too ridiculous, and that's why competition is good so there are alternative options. Sadly, if you like Hilton, this is where we're at for now!
100% agree!
Amex is a marketing machine and have really positioned themselves so well. They're a bank but more than the other issuers they're a BRAND. Much like gucci or any luxury brand their preferred customer gets all their stuff, but they still have products regular people can obtain to push their brand. For gucci its colognes or sunglasses for Amex its low fee cards.
Wells fargo or citi need to do something or this won't stop. Have a good weekend brother!
Thanks for the update! I totally dislike the changes on these cards. I have the Hilton business card, I’m good with that!
Of course! Yeah, at least they left the Hilton Business card alone! I have that card as well but probably will be canceling soon. Definitely with you about these changes - definitely a negative move IMO!
The new changes should be a positive for most people. However, not for Leo,.. for Leo this changes are a $350 devaluation for me 😰. Still, till death do us apart. Happy Friday 🍻😎
For sure Leo! Yeah, it's going to definitely depend on your own individual situation, and I know there are a lot of people who will welcome this chage! Especially a premium travel card connoisseur like you! Happy Friday brother! It's 5 o'clock somewhere! 🍸
@@TheCreditFrog 😂🍻👍
Thanks for the frank info. I feel the same at you on most points. I really regret missing the 747 Delta card...wasn't aware though I have their platuinun. I did score the Hilton Biz card for the 5 free nights and elevated points recently. So suck it AMEX. 😁
Of course! Yeah, that 747 promotion was definitely unique so I hopped on it, and it fortunately had a good SUB that I could get as well. Awesome that you got the 5 FNA SUB - that was the best SUB I've ever seen on that card so you snagged a great one!!
Agree with not liking rotating category cards.
Yeah, some people are cool with it, but I think it's more work than necessary.
Surprised they didn't update the Business Hilton at the same time. Hate the credits spread out over the year but get why they did it. At least they didn't touch the free night reward (assuming they have kept it uncapped). That is a nice $200-500 value easily. So yes I still want the Aspire and feel like my Surpass got a bit of an upgrade despite the higher annual fee with the $50 quarterly credit at any Hilton property. I can get use of half the resort credit at $200 (just can't see now staying at a limited number of resorts twice a year and even once might be hard), $200 flight credit pretty easy to use, and a minimum value on the free night of $200 (more like $400-600) and it covers the annual fee. Property credit and Clear credit also probably wouldn't get used by me as I have on other cards. Probably would get some value out of the Diamond status too even if a bit unquantifiable (early and late check in/out for example).
Nice! It sounds like you have a solid strategy to get value from the Surpass and Aspire cards. There are so many statement credits at this point to keep track of, but if you can make use of them throughout the year, like you said, there's a lot of positive value upside on both of these cards. I'm glad that they didn't make any changes to the business card, but I'm sure one is in the works for sure! I'm also happy they didn't touch the FNA either because that would, for sure, caused a huge uproar. And, of course, Diamond status is key for those upgrades as well as free breakfast while you're at the hotels and would get you a TON of value depending on how many Hilton properties you visit in a given year!
@@TheCreditFrog Well have been pop up blocked for the Aspire last 2 times I tried to get it but will keep trying. Got the Surpass a few months back and was able to get it via a special Hilton link. Had an elevated points offering plus the free night bonus which was awesome. Sadly hit the welcome offer in August and still have not gotten the points or free night cert yet. Also have 4 Amex credit cards right now so might be at my limit unless they let me have the 5th so hoping I can use a 5th spot for the Aspire. Plan was to eventually upgrade the Surpass to an Aspire as well but with the higher annual fee I might have to rethink that especially since Surpass has the very usable $200 credit on any Hilton stay vs $400 on resort stays. 1 year on the card isn't until July 2024 anyway so plenty of time to decide on that
Since I’m not ready to dive head first completely with Hilton, I grabbed the Honors and got the 70k/FNC Bonus back in July. I was prepared for rough changes. But these aren’t too bad. And until I’m ready to dive in completely; the Honors is great. I’m curious about the Surpass credits and the Airline credits as well; but overall the changes aren’t as terrible as I feared they’d be. Loss of Priority pass will hurt some, but other cards can cover. Aspire is still a pretty strong top level Hotel travel card.
But yeah, I can see how some of these changes can be a turn off.
Great video, thank you Stan!
That's awesome that you got a great SUB on the HH Matt! Yeah, I think we were all expecting much worse with a higher AF, but comparatively, the statement credits do make up for the AF increase, it's just the way that those credits are presented (quarterly/semi-annually) are annoying, hah! I had the same reaction as Luke when he commented on the people going up in arms about the PP. I didn't realize so many people used PP on the Surpass card! The Aspire is also a strong card, but that $400 credit is for Hilton Resorts only, and so it's a little more difficult to use than I think people want to admit. Resorts also tend to be more expensive, but the Aspire is really for those luxury travelers, and I think Amex is driving home that point. Appreciate you being here Matt, and your commentary on YT news is always excellent as well!
@@TheCreditFrog thank you sir! I appreciate it (this grind is HARD)! For the credits, I appreciate Quarterly and 2x/per as they are at least easier to manage, but agree that annually would be WAY better for everyone. The monthly credits and tracking is a big reason I’m avoiding AmEx right now; it’s too much on top of the monthly/quarterly credits on my CSR. I wish they’d be easier over all. But it is what it is.
Hey Stan great video great content, and fyi for your data points I think Amx is doing it already, I applied last year for the Surpass and got it and I applied for the Hilton Honors card when they had I think 130,00 or 140,000 points for $3,000 spend and was put in pop up jail. I agree with you might need to start working from low to high and not miss any SUB's. Little disappointed in Amx for making these drastic moves so when my annual fee hits I will just downgrade to the no annual fee card. I still have the Hilton Honors Business card which for right now still have the 10 passes for the lounges. Keep that content coming. Thanks for sharing
Thanks Clausell! Always great to hear from you, and thanks for providing your data point on the elevated Surpass SUB! Sorry about pop-up jail, but as you know, it's not just you that this is happening to! Great to hear that you have the Business card for the PP lounges, and as for the Surpass, at least you have some time to use the card and reassess to see if it's still worth it for you, but yeah, that NAF option will always be available when you need it!
I would add that the Hilton Business Card would probably be a way to avoid the family language issues and still end up with a Hilton SUB if you were SUB hunting
Great point Keith! Yeah, Amex has left the business cards alone so they are still a great way to get sign-up bonuses without the welcome offer tiered language!
I agree with you. Not worth it. I got the surpass for the hotel and priority pass benefits but with pp being gone, I may have to close the account. Super disappointed.
Dang yeah, a lot more people than I realized had the Surpass card for the Priority Pass. The coupons more than make up the AF, but it may just be more trouble than it's worth if you don't stay at a Hilton property at least once per quarter.
I’m glad I applied for the Surpass in December 2023 under the 170k point signing bonus which expired January 17, 2024. Today, January 18, 2024, the new signing bonus is back down to 130K.
Welcome to the matrix.
Awesome! Congrats on the Surpass, and I'm happy you got the elevated offer before it expired!
@@TheCreditFrog thanks!
No embossed numbers is awesome. The credits getting split into quarterly sucks.
Agreed Mason on both items! Quarterly credits are disgusting, and so are embossed numbers 🤣
Bravo Maestro Stan!
Like all your Videos very well explained, that so The average Jose can comprehend.
Thank you Sensei.
Shout-out to Maestro Sebby and Maestro uncle Luke.💳⌚🛎️
I appreciate that! Much respect to you as well as my credit card friends and leaders, Sebby and Luke 👍 💯
Pretty much everyone has coupon features nowadays. No issuer wants you to sock drawer a card anymore. I think the changes are fine and in line with the AF hike. Thanks for the info + video!
Of course, Jimmy James! I agree that no issuer wants to be a sock drawer card, but the question is how far they're willing to go before the statement credits are too annoying and then people (like myself) just stop using their cards altogether and move on to a different issuer? Higher AFs can be justified by the changes, but semi-annual/quarterly credits are inconvenient and unnecessary, but I get where Amex as a business is coming from!
@@TheCreditFrog Oh I agree. The couponing + increase in AFs = rethinking my setup. I'll ride out the Hilton changes for a year and see how it goes as we have some travel plans with the FNCs earned this year. Will more than likely dump the AMEX Gold and look at moving away from MR pts.
@jimmyjames6492 Same! Will probably dump the Gold card next year as well.
I chose the no fee Hilton card. The multipliers are not much different for gas, restaurants and groceries between the no fee and the Surpass and between those two, online retail would be 4x on Surpass would be 3x on the regular. Restaurants is 1x differential between all 3 cards at 5x, 6x and 7x respecially. They are all 3x on everything else. Their multipliers are weird. Its at Hilton hotels obviously where you obviously gain the most at 7x, 12x and 14x respectively.
A lot of people have told me that the Surpass + Aspire is a pretty nice combo for the end game once you work up the ladder. I like how the Surpass covers a lot of helpful categories. The regular Hilton Honors is a solid choice too - definitely gets you set up to get the welcome offers (or upgrade offers) on the higher tier Hilton cards!
@@TheCreditFrog If I buy something internationally, would it get 3x on everything else with the Hilton cards?
@@Th33Vultur3 If that international merchant accepts American Express!
@@TheCreditFrog Good point. Last 2 cruises I went to, I took one of each card network to increase my chances of acceptance and decrease my chance of nonacceptance. It was a good strategy and good call.
Statement credits are there to reward the types of customers they want, mainly super users. Pretty sure Amex and Hilton are fine when people use up 100% of the credits because those types are much more likely to be the target customers they want. I think we need to realize this is the way the meta is going. If you’re not a super user or in the target demo, you’re going to have to figure out how to use credits to your advantage, or pay the fee if you want the benefits. The travel credit card game was already “pay to play” anyway
I definitely see your point of view here. Amex for sure wants super users - or in this case, true Hilton loyalists that stay at their properties regularly. As a loyalist, I don't think using these credits are going to be particularly difficult - although the airline credit is a little more general and difficult to use than a dining credit, for example, like the one on the Bonvoy Brilliant card. Ultimately, travel cards are pay to play like you mentioned. But once you put the money in, it's all about maximizing that value out. Some people don't mind working a little bit more for that value, but some do, like myself, and so I think that's going to determine whether you view these changes as positive or negative.
These chopped up statement credit changes might be a deal breaker for my Aspire. Definitely disappointed
Yeah, you and a lot of others are probably feeling the same way! Losing an annual credit and gaining annoying semi-annual and quarterly credits is such a low blow, but expected decision from Amex.
Very sober analysis. I agree on the credit s. A normal person can't value them more than 50%. I don't fliy every quarter!
Thanks! Yeah, these semi-annual and quarterly statement credits are incredibly inconvenient, and for those who don't travel as much, it's much harder to get that value!
I appreciated the long form video here and agree it’s exhausting the way these credits are turning out. Im a fan of the changes , and it could have been worse imo.
Thanks so much Ninja! Yes, this is the format where I could get the information out as quick as possible. I think the general consensus is that the changes aren't that bad, and it could be worse, but having these quarterly/monthly credits is not a trend that I want being followed!
But why break up the 200 credit to quarterly… that just ruins it for me & most aleast make it 100 every 6 months
I agree. So unnecessary!
Alright Stan need you to talk me out of getting the Aspire with no SUB just for the annoying credits because I want the Clear credit and diamond status. I’m still in pop up jail on personal cards
No problem! The Aspire credits are not worth it IMO. The $200 Hilton Resort credit is restrictive and you have to use it twice a year, and there are a lot of better cards use for airline charges and not have touse it on an Aspire card 4 times per year. Hilton Gold is really all you need to get the free breakfast, which is sufficient for most US stays since upgrades are not as plentiful, even as a Diamond. CLEAR is ok, but they recently started checking IDs randomly more often so now I don't even bother using them. TSA Pre-Check is more important.
Venture X & Ritz Carlton only makes sense in Oct 2023
Two great cards with immense value! There are other options depending on your situations, but that's a great short list!
Didn’t the Surpass have a free night certificate every year? If so , then that also went away.
But it’s still a good card. Especially in Thailand. You can stay at Hilton Hua Hin for $65 a night. The quarterly credit will drop that to $15 for that night. Not too bad. It’s a decent property.
Yeah, it's incredible how much value you can get on these properties in Thailand! I hope to go there one day and see it for myself! As for the Surpass, it never had a FNA every year, but instead had one if you spent $15k on the card. The only Hilton card with an automatic annual FNA was the Aspire card!
I love the resort credit change, and I hate the airline credit change, but given it's easier for me to take advantage of the larger resort credit, it's an overall plus for me. Also, the metal card is nice but late.
Nice! Yeah, if you stay at Hilton Resorts, it's definitely great to have that expanded credit! I'm not super familiar with Hilton Resorts so I don't know how common they are or how much more they're expensive than regular properties, but if it fits your lifestyle, than I would take the W! I think a lot of people in your position probably also relate with the airline credit being super annoying and useless to them. And with the metal card, you know what they say - better late than never!
@@TheCreditFrog there are far fewer then I would like but the price is comparable to surrounding hotels as the one I normally stay at.
The new look of the Hilton Surpass and Aspire which I actually like, looks similar to that of the “AMEX Charles Schwab Investor Card”. And maybe they are trying to tell us something with that white Hilton Honors card, like maybe the Apple Card is coming to the AMEX lineup soon 😆
Oh yeah, I can see the resemblance to the Schwab Investor card! I will say the design looks a lot more sleek than before! And yes there are those rumors about the Apple Card, but now with the Amex Companion card and Hilton Honors card, there's more white cards than ever before so we'll have to see what happens!
Free night award and diamond status still outweighs the AF for value
Yup! Depending on how you use the FNA, with the Diamond status, could definitely get you more than $550 worth of value!
I currently have the Honors & Surpass cards. I received the first 130K bonus and free night on the Surpass and awaiting the 100K bonus on the Honors and another free night as I signed up with the elevated free night SUB. That’s 230K plus points plus two free nights. With the changes I will wait to refer my wife for the Honors card for a better SUB and most likely down grade my Surpass next year, as I don’t see the value in the Aspire any longer unless the SUB is outstanding and cancel after a year like you said. Thoughts?
Wow! Those are some solid SUBs on the HH and Surpass cards. Bravo! You definitely worked the system there. I think the plan of waiting to refer your wife for the HH card when there's a better SUB is exactly what I would do. The nice thing about Amex's referral program is that even if you have only the HH card, you can still refer out for the Surpass and Aspire cards so you can pick and choose which SUB would be best at that time. And who knows? With the HH card, you may also get targeted for an upgrade offer as well!
I have 13 credit cards.
Very cool!
What was a garauntee renew just went to something I have to think about when it comes time to renew. I really don’t like the changes.
For sure Rishard. These credits are net positive, but definitely are a lot more difficult to use! That keep or cancel decision just got a lot more difficult?
Yeah I liked the priority pass that’s now gone and the credit being broken up where I can’t just use it is a pain.
for the annual fee cards, they make the rules for get values back--such a pain. I don't use annual fee card
Yeah, it is such a pain! Annual credits are ok, but anything more frequent is just being annoying about it. It's great that you're able to get value with only no annual fee cards!
Do current cardholders get grandfathered into current benefits or do they also receive the new benefit structure?
The new credits start immediately, but the new AF takes effect on 2/1/24. Your existing benefits are still grandfathered in from what I understand, but will not renew next year.
Idk if im wrong, but didnt the aspire card used to give the free night as soon as you're approved? Cause im reading the terms and they say the renewal year👀
Yes, the FNA is every year. I just looked at the terms and at the beginning, it says that you get a FNA “during each year of card membership” so this should work for even the year you get the card as well!
@@TheCreditFrog thank you sm for clarifying, i was trynna decipher the language🤣
Stan, what’s worse, Chase’s 5/24 or Amex Statement Credits?
I would say Chase 5/24 because it really limits you from getting great Chase card sign-up bonuses. Amex statement credits are also bad, but in the frame of SUBs, in particular, if you only apply for an Amex card for the SUB and cancel after year 1, as long as you get an elevated SUB when you get approved, you will always come out ahead and you can ignore the statement credits if you want.
Also kind of makes me glad they won't let me have the Gold now as it forces me to an easier to manage alternative card for grocery spend
I'm reading in between the lines here, but it sounds like you have a Platinum card already, and the Gold card SUB may not be offered to you. If this is the case, I think it's almost a blessing in disguise because now you don't have to deal with 2 monthly credits than you otherwise would. And there are tons of cards that are great for grocery spend that are not the Gold card, both in and out of the Amex family!
@@TheCreditFrogyes exactly. got platinum about 8 months ago because it met my needs for travel best and didn't need the Gold due to having grocery on my Flex right now through end of year at 5x. was going to get Gold in January for primary grocery card. Seems so silly to punish people paying annual fee of the premium Platinum when the cards are so radically different. Guess someone else is getting the spend on my #2 biggest monthly spend category then. I contacted Amex customer service and shared how dumb this was too
@@TheCreditFrog PS I am team points so that eliminates some of the cards with good grocery multipliers and also a challenge as some other ecosystems are so stringent on applications for too many inquiries or new card openings (ie Capital One and Citi) that is also limits options. Was always the plus with Amex of course that if in the ecosystem it was relatively easy to get more cards with them plus the soft pulls
@@412foto Yeah, I was not a fan of this change either. Amex is really starting to push away a lot of users, but I think they're doing so on purpose to try to target people that will spend money on their cards regularly without question. We know better, and fortunately, there are plenty of other options out there to choose from so we can certainly vote with our feet!
@@TheCreditFrog well I'd spend very regularly on the Gold for grocery...but obviously not now. oh well
How much does the new metal design for the Aspire card weigh?
I'm sure unboxing videos are coming out, but if I were to guess, I would go with 15g. The Platinum is 17g, and I think the Bonvoy Brilliant is 15g
Great points all around Stan! Especially on the way the card looks haha, very corporate but it’s also growing on me for whatever reason.
And also love the points about having more on your plate and more to think about, something to keep in mind before you get burnout!
Thanks Tony! Haha, I'm glad that the new card designs are growing on you! I'm looking forward to some of these card reveals to see what the card looks like in person because maybe it'll look better that way! And I'm definitely very close to statement credit burnout with the new Amex Business Gold credit. Luckily, I don't have a Hilton card (yet), but if you have a lot of cards with a lot of statement credits, you'll definitely get gray hair sooner rather than later!
I got the Hilton aspire card last year for traveling in Europe. I did not feel like a diamond member and i am not an aspirational traveler. So with these changes i am going to cancel this card and get the platinum and or gold, slash both. Not sure yet. I am not someone who will spend like they want so its time for me to go.
Oh, that's interesting! I don't do much international travel, but I was under the impression that having elevated status overseas usually gets you a pretty great experience overall. I feel your sentiment, and I'm the same way. Thinking of ditching Amex for other issuers that aren't as ridiculous!
I am considering a second hotel card to go along with my Marriott Bonvoy Boundless. I was thinking my wife would get a second hotel chain card (Hilton, Hyatt or IHG). Or should we just double down on Marriott as we frequent that chain?
I think if your wife got a hotel card with another chain, that would be better because then both of you would have options! I personally stay at Marriotts, but I also stay at Hiltons every so often so having that flexibility is pretty nice!
@@TheCreditFrog That makes sense. Hilton makes the most sense as they have a lot of options.
Yep definitely for loyalists. Probably what they should’ve been in the first place. But most of us got spoiled with having the cards just for certain benefits and rarely ever staying at Hiltons.
Haha, you’re so right about being spoiled! The Aspire card should really be for only the die-hard Hilton loyalists, and the refresh definitely makes this clear. It just sucks that they traded their annual credits for a semi-annual and monthly to make their point 🙁
@@TheCreditFrogSUPER annoying lol. I tip my hat to them though because it’s definitely a great way to accomplish their objective. I haven’t spent much time on hotel cards other than the Hilton ones, but maybe it’s now time to do so. And in the name of the credit card game, changes (whether we like them or not) are a way to keep things dynamic.
@anandr1385 I heard Marriott may be a hotel chain to check out 👀😂
@@TheCreditFrog I’ll have to search for a good video on them 🤣🤣
I’ll definitely check out your videos
It’s a good reminder that credit card companies are not your friend. With Amex, if you’re not spending that money that way anyway, you’re not going to win. The target audience for these cards is a very specific person. If it ain’t you, do something else
Absolutely Elliott! For as much as we want to believe banks and credit cards are on our side, they're ultimately in the business of making money, and specifically with Amex, they're targeting a certain type of consumer for sure!
If you like the coupon book strategy, the Platinum still does it best. The problem with the Hilton updates is that it’s a lot harder to stay at Hilton’s four times a year every three months, also bear in mind the RESORT thing. Resort credits are like 2% of all Hilton properties so unless I’m mistaken you’re in trouble if you think you got $400 coming to you at your next stay at the JFK Hampton Inn
@@elliottnixon-wq6sp Yeah, the resort credit on the Aspire card is super limiting so it really targets those people who stay at Hilton properties a lot - the true Hilton loyalists! We’ll see how this plays out but the Aspire is no longer a card that is easily kept past year 1 for a lot of people!
When do you think the Hilton business card will change?
Good question! Not sure, your guess is as good as mine!
@@TheCreditFrog with the increasing coupon book changes the business card looks like a nice compromise for a mid tier Hilton card and it's still $95...
@@youtube.experiment I agree. I think if you wanted something that is more like the legacy Surpass card, the Hilton Business is a great option. Also a great card to get Hilton Gold status and PP if you don't have a card like the Platinum!
Maybe the new look is just for Halloween.
Edit : Amex has fell in my credit card rankings …😢
Hah! I wish, but I think these new designs are here to stay. And yeah, Amex has been very irritating with a lot of their changes! Not much good news from them recently.
I spend 5k a year on AF's to get a free room in Turkey once a quarter and a companion pass ?
I don’t know if that was a question or a statement but that sounds great! Don’t know about the $5k in annual fees though. That sounds high.
@@TheCreditFrogIt was a joke . Sometimes I think. Where's the break even point.650 AF 550 AF 150 AF 550 AF .If I saved that money would I need a free night certificate?
Am I really saving year after year or is it perceived savings.After the intro bonus the value drops off significantly
Also something the fanboys miss- I don’t think resort credits should ever be valued at face value; they should be thought of as discounts. Because when you shop around usually you can find better value per dollar if you aren’t banking on loyalty upgrades which are rare in the US. And despite what Uncle Luke says unless you’re churning multiple Hilton cards the points will be weak and only 1 FNC per year kinda forces you into spending out of pocket for a second night because one night stays are whack.
Loyalty is overrated
I agree with you. The Hilton Resort credits is just a way to get you in the door to a Hilton Resort property. Very unlikely that you're going to be staying there for just $200. There's definitely going to be more charges after that! Loyalty upgrades are pretty rare in the US like you said so I don't even consider them to be a real benefit in hotel loyalty programs. The only one that really matters to me is the free breakfast!
@@TheCreditFroganother thing that I find alarming is the inconsistency with bloggers between the value of trying to mostly or only travel on points vs the expectation that we’re supposed to spend a lot at expensive properties because that’s how you get the “most value” from these luxury cards. I feel like that’s not why I got into this whole game and I shouldn’t have to sacrifice being able to stay at decent to nice properties because I want to also be conscious of luxury spend
@@WhatsThePoints1 It's true. When I travel on points on vacations, I inevitably spend money that I shouldn't have, whether it be on food, tours, entertainment, etc. So these trips are not really "free." I think it's much better to call these trips subsidized, and hopefully, "heavily" subsidized.
Would I be able to purchase gift cards for the Airline credit? I don't see my self flying each quarter so it would be great to buy a airline gift card for the $200 airline credit.
I'm not sure - there were some data points from the previous airline incidental credit where that could work, but with this new credit, I think it's going to come down to trial and error. At least you don't have to select a specific airline!
Even if i don't stay at the Hilton, can i use that quarterly credit at the bar in the lobby?
I'm not entirely sure, but my first guess would be no. This is because the lobby bar doesn't necessarily code as "Hilton" but if you stay at a Hilton and charge the hotel bar charge to the room, it'll be on the itemized statement for your "Hilton" stay and then count. Not sure though.
@@TheCreditFrog the one I went to this summer was “Hilton Mix Lounge” on my card.
No you must be a guest & it has to be charged to your room.
Stan what do you do for a living?
I'm a doctor!
@@TheCreditFrog wow. You kind of do seem like a doctor. Dentist or physician?
@@JB-pk1jx Thanks, physician!
Do you think the Hilton business card is next? I hope not. I got it solely for the 10 Priority passes. I can only think it will also change like the surpass. I think Amex is over hauling the entire line of credit cards. I got a survey the other day about my BB plus card. In pop jail and all these changes has me not having Amex as my favorite bank anymore
I think the Hilton Business is definitely going to be updated soon! There has been less changes on the business side, but with the Business Gold and its recent changes, I think Amex is capable of anything! Wonder what the survey was about for the BBP. I hope they aren’t adding an AF to that one!
@@TheCreditFrogalthough I don’t think they are adding an annual fee, the survey was more about that business card compared to the other business cards I have. Now today, I just got another survey in my email about the same card😐. That made me think that some changes to the card is definitely coming. I’ll reply once again when I take the survey…
The thumbnail should be, "More Coupons". Just get the Surpass for the SUB and move on. I'd rather spend 15K on 2 Ink bonuses than for a Hilton room.
Haha! I like it! I may change the thumbnail when I get a chance since that is highly accurate! I agree, Ink bonuses are legit these days!
Also I said this last time you commented, but I love your name!
I hope Marriott brilliant isn’t next for AF hikes , etc
I hope not! But they just refreshed this card just last year, so I think it's still got a couple more years in its lifespan before they start implementing a semi-monthly dining credit only at Milk Bar.
I instantly dropped the Brilliant after they moved to that atrocious monthly dining credit in lieu of the marriot credit
That 5x 50k certs plus free night yearly for $95 AF thru chase is gonna be hard to beat imo
@@TheCreditFrog lol😅
@@cjcab3158 Yeah, that monthly dining credit totally sucks. As someone who stays at a lot of Marriotts though, it's a necessary evil. I think that for those who stay at Hiltons, they could probably say the same about the refreshed Aspire card!
Shame they didn't keep the color scheme. The white no-fee card looks okay, but the Surpass and Aspire look so boring now.
I agree! The move should have been to just remove the embossed numbers and keep the same style. And make the Aspire metal.
Agree that this is a downgrade for the card. It's now in the "too much hassle to use" category for me.
For sure, Michael! And Amex is showing no signs of stopping! It seems like there's a new statement credit every few months, and only the ones that nobody wants (monthly, quarterly, semi-annual)!
I bet the numbers are still on the front.
Oh god I hope not 😂
@TheCreditFrog when I got my Inks chase showed a cleaner card in the marketing. I think it's the same approach
First!!!!!!
Congrats CJ! You are FIRST today!! 🏆🥇🎉
CJ is KING
@@TheCreditFrogI’m ALWAYS first!
@@AnthonyVenture They don't call him the First King for nothing!!
The aspire is still top notch. The surpass is still not for me.
The Aspire can definitely still be an awesome card for the right person! Sounds like you are one of them so I'm happy that the changes work well for you! Looking at the Aspire and Surpass, the Surpass seems more up my alley, but like I said, I hope to get both of these cards in the future one day!
@@TheCreditFrog i currently have the aspire, surpass and hilton business, each with 150k sub.
Ill wait till the no fee card has a FNC in the sub. Hopefully the family rule doesn’t kill that for me
I like the changes AMEX made to both cards. With the Aspire there’s no need to use the credits to offset the annual fee, just use the free night and enjoy the Diamond benefits. With the Aspire credits are just icing on the cake if you want to get more value. As a Hilton loyalist I like those changes, it made the 👑 of hotel cards even better. Great video and information brother! Keep up the great work!🫵
Thank you César! Yeah, if you can get an amazing FNA redemption, you could probably definitely get great value from the $550 annual fee. I think that the maximizers out there always want to get value out of the statement credits, but I see where you're coming from! I know how you feel about Hilton and since you stay there so much, I'm sure you're very happy with the new credits and possibilities to have net positive value from the Aspire every single year. Appreciate your support as always bro! 😎