What’s In My Wallet Q3 2023: Optimizing *EVERY* dollar (Maximizing Credit Card Rewards)
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- Опубликовано: 16 июн 2024
- Learn more about all of my card picks here: cardonomics.com/i/mariatech
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Find the table with my rewards structure here: www.techmentormaria.com/blog/...
Learn more about all debit and credit cards mentioned in the links below (in the order of them being mentioned)
Chase Checking: accounts.chase.com/raf/share/...
Charles Schwab Investor Checking: www.schwab.com/client-referra...
Betterment Checking: betterment.com/friend-referral-offer?referral_key=mariatechtok
Betterment Cash Reserve: betterment.com/friend-referral-offer?referral_key=mariatechtok
Chase Freedom Unlimited®: cardonomics.com/i/mariatech/c...
Chase Ink Business Unlimited®: cardonomics.com/i/mariatech/i...
Bilt Mastercard®: bilt-rewards.sjv.io/c/3947361...
Chase Freedom Flex℠: www.referyourchasecard.com/18...
Citi Custom Cash℠: cardonomics.com/i/mariatech/c...
Amazon Prime Visa: www.amazon.com/dp/BT00LN946S?...
The Platinum Card® from American Express: cardonomics.com/i/mariatech/t...
Sapphire Reserve®: cardonomics.com/i/mariatech/c...
Citi Premier® Card: cardonomics.com/i/mariatech/c...
🌐 NEWEST blog post - Comparing the Best Travel Credit Cards for Beginners: www.techmentormaria.com/blog/...
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ABOUT ME
🙋♀️ I’m Maria, an Engineering Manager at a big tech company and I’ve been coding since I was 13 years old. I love working in tech because building new things and being creative is something that makes me really happy. While on this journey, I realized how lots of questions I receive in 1:1s get repeated a lot so I decided to upload short and simple Q&A videos on TikTok which grew to a small amount of followers. For some questions, I wanted to dive deeper with longer answers which is how this channel started. Thanks for being here - my goal is to help some people out and make their lives at tech jobs more effective.
#TechMentorMaria #CreditCards #SmartSpending
***Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the card links and other products that appear on this description are from companies which Tech Mentor Maria will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus. Tech Mentor Maria is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers.
What should be my next card to optimize further? Taking ideas 💡
Any thoughts on Amex personal gold
Great welcome offer right now and that’s the card I’m considering next too. I think good all rounder if you want the Amex Trifecta!
I was going to say the gold card as well, strictly for dining out and groceries! Also if you invest with Charles Schwab you should consider doing the Charles Schwab platinum card. your points can transfer directly to your brokerage account at a slightly higher rate!!! its wicked awesome!!
That's a solid card setup you got there. Thanks for the video. Working on the Ink Bonus right now, and that Bilt is on my list, love that it transfers to Hyatt. Also, I need that Schwab debit card. that's an awesome perk.
Here's a few card suggestions for you and some of their benefits.
WYNDHAM REWARDS EARNER BUSINESS CARD If you stay at Wyndham properties:
-8 points on Gas,
-20 points (total) at Wyndham (8 pts from card, 10 for being a member, 20% more points for being a Diamond Member)
-5 points on utilities,
-Annual 15,000 point bonus,
-10% discount when redeeming with points.
-I've redeemed these points for around 2 cents per point before, although that's not always available.
-Gives you the Diamond Status (highest status) at Wyndham and you can match it to Caesars Rewards, which has some pretty neat perks as well. It also has a decent sign up bonus.
CAPITAL ONE SAVOR if you like Uber or some of their other categories:
-covers your Uber One Membership until November 2024
-10% back on Uber and Uber Eats expenses.
-Uber also gives you discounts on your purchases with the Uber One membership.
-3% on restaurants, groceries, entertainment, and streaming services.
-You will need a Capital One Venture card to convert it to points to transfer to partners. I've had great experience with my Venture X card, 2 points back on everything is pretty neat, and their travel portal usually has lower prices than Chase's, in my experience.
-I'd recommend trying the Amex Platinum on airline fees instead of the Sapphire Reserve. In my experience, Amex has given me 5 points for those transactions as well. Your mileage may vary. Also want to add, I got that 150K point targeted offer too, and I thought the same thing as you, "it's time to get this card. LOL. Ended up loving it.
BTW, I'm new here, this is the first video I see from you. Good stuff. I just hit that subscribe button.
@@techmentormaria The Amex Gold is probably my most used card but the card that I recommend to everyone is the Hilton Aspire. It's one of/if not the best travel card
One of the best credit card videos I’ve seen. You deserve more subs !!!
Thank you so much for all this information. I need to start and follow your advise
Great video! Love the spreadsheet at the end too, very smart.
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching!
Was so excited when you posted about this yesterday! Great video!
Yay! Any credit card you didn’t expect or you’d swap out?
@@techmentormaria would add Amex gold as a charge card (or swap out if you have too many haha). Also loving BILT for 2x bonus on the 1st, rent and travel!
Great video thanks hun
Thxs girly I love this ❤
I love this type of content!
Love it! Anyone specific you’d like to see next?
Im just getting into credit cause I used to spend everything on my debit, but I decided to begin the chase travel trifecta because I want to start traveling more and the overall rewards on all the cards are great in my opinion. Thanks for the video!
Great cards and setup! Thanks for the info 👍
Thanks for watching!
Great video, very informative!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Excellent presentation and content. 👍. Just subscribed.
Welcome aboard!
I lyke how you added your debits in the vid.
Great video 💪🏾💯
Thank you for watching!
Thank you so much for the videos. I am new in the USA and watching your video gives me the idea of what to do. Please create a video of your credit card journey. Thank you.
Subscribed!
You rock keep it up
Thank you for watching!
That's it!!!! I'm subbing 8)
Welcome ✨✨✨
Great Video and Card setup! For the Amex Platinum card I like the Charles Schwab version since you get that option to Cash out points at 1.10 cents per point along with all of the other benefits that the Amex Platinum card offers.
Thanks for watching! Oh I need to look into it!
i just want to thank you for being an engineering manger and being a youtuber at the same time 😍😍
It’s a lot of work but also lots of fun, so thank you :)
I did not know about Bilt, that is cool
Yeah when I found out about it, I just thought “FINALLY”
I hear a slight accent I love it lol❤️ you should make a video on how CL each card has and how much CL you’ve started at to where your at now with increases. Keep up the great work cheers💜
Thank you! Yeah, I’m from Germany but moved here 7 years ago :) The CL video sounds fun, I’ll put it on my list!
You’re godsend!!
Thanks for watching!
Hey Maria. Thanks for this video. I'm from Germany and i'm searching for a travel credit card. Most of the cards you mentioned are not availabile in Germany. Do you have any recommendations or experiences for credit cards in Germany?
my everyday purchase cards are capital one - venture, and quick silver. --- for travel - I use AMEX Delta Platinum -
So you're all in on Capital One -- I should explore this more!
1st time here, great card collection👍🏾 I'm considering the Citi Premier for international grocery spend, etc, and wondering if you think the Citi TY points are as valuable as Amex MR points? I have the Amex Gold, but the grocery mult is only for the US, and Amex doesn't have the acceptance int'l like Visa/Mstr card.
They can be as valuable depending on how you want to use them! I think they have similar partners on the airline side but imo Amex is doing better with hotels as they have Hilton + Marriott while citi has Accor, Choice and Wyndham and I personally prefer Marriott properties but it depends on your needs for the card.
Schwab is great. I use them for investing in stocks, bonds and even their high yield checking account. No fees, minimums and free checks. Only downside is they don't have any physical bank locations but i use their app to deposit checks, ect.
I use it for everything too (loving their T-Bill options recently!). I don't mind that they don't have physical bank locations tbh :)
Occasionally I have several hundred dollars in cash I would like to deposit. That is the only issue I have.
I'm new to Travel rewards and want to get into it and to be smarter about my credit card usage. I currently have a no-fee BOA Rewards Card as my base card; I've had it for a long time, and from what I understand, credit rating is based on the longest-open card you have, so I should probably keep it. My wife and I have a joint credit card, the CapOne Savor One. Should I get a BOA or CapOne travel rewards card to stay in the same family as one of my existing cards? I find the Chase travel card appealing, but I don't know if it's smart to go with a 3rd issuer.
Love the Bilt mastercard!
Same, it's one of my favs these days!
Iam just starting out with travel! What is the BEST CREDIT CARD for travel card?
Also how long should I wait before applying for credit cards
i would recommend Amex Gold, since you get 4x on dining and pairs well with the Plat
So many people recommended this! I think I’ll compare it with my chase trifecta next
Damn, I would never be able to have all that cards and organize them like that. You are awesome, lady.
Thank you! I think anyone is able to do this. Just start one by one
It becomes easy, especially with apps on your phone,i use 9, cause i refuse to get back anything less than 3% most of my purchases, average 5% in return
nah, trust me, couple of hours with the Internet and Excel, and you'll be in the same boat... assuming you'll actually need this kind of cash flow. I am on my eighth card and see, that I've maxed out, what I can do with the banks at three.
Great video! I got both the Amex platinum and bilt card just this past week. Apple Card is also nice for apple purchases 3% back and Costco offers 4% cash back on all restaurant spend.
I feel like Chase often has an extra earning bonus for apple so I maybe the Amex gold is the better card here?
@@techmentormaria nice! I’ll have to look into the chase card. On another note, starting a travel influencer llc is another way to save and can provide 40% discount on all travel expenses so long as you classify as you classify travel as business expense.
wooow, you began with one only card, and now you have all of these? amazing, so you say that anyone can do this if spend smart and pay smart?
What about Venture X? Great catch-all card.
Can you use the Bilt card for Mortgage
You have some Great cards #TeamCashBack
Thank you! Anything I’m missing?
Do I get these points also if I live in switzerland or just in the USA. Like if I buy groceries in the supermarket in switzerland I need to buy them with CHF do these cards allow me to pay with CHF and don't charge me extra for that
Hi! New to this and the BILT card. If I add my utilities to auto pay on the 1st those are worth 2 points? Also, if I purchase gift cards on the 1st are those also worth 2 points?
Every purchase is double the regular points on rent day, so yes!
I've seen Bilt thrown around a few times - but this moment is the first that I've actually looked at their web site. Rents are expensive for no reason; I don't think the land lords, rental companies, and investors should receive all the rewards.
Thanks for the information.
Please mention the use of high yield savings accounts from Amex and Citi to help offset credit card annual fees.
Bilt is honestly great. I’ve used it for so long and have no complaints. Just upsides :)
Off the top... You need more color variety in your cards! 😂😂
Thanks for the ostentation😊
Haha, not something I care about optimizing
Would you ever get the Venture X?
Watch out for a video about that in 2 weeks!
Damn good setup. Why no Ink Cash for 5x internet/phone/cable and office supply (gift cards) ?
Good question -- I would recommend it for others but my expenses in those categories are really low. Phone is paid by from my company, I don't have cable and I feel like just getting the card for internet is overkill.
If you had to pick from one top tier travel card what would it be? Venture X, CSR or Platinum? (Or another) Currently only travel 1-2 times a year but live in Boston with the Sapphire lounge. Thanks!!
I know you didn’t ask me! While waiting for the expert to respond to your question, here is my two cents. Since you travel out of BOS, access to the new Sapphire Lounge is definitely important. The Venture X and Platinum will give you one visit for free (no guest unless they are authorized user with their own Priority Pass). The CSR will give you unlimited free visits with two guest for free. However, for most people the effective AF of the CSR is $190. The effective AF of the Venture X is positive $10. For the Amex Platinum is also easy to break even on the AF with all the statement credits. If you travel with your family I will go with the CSR (save on the $75 guest fee for the Sapphire Lounge). Also consider where do you fly frequently and which Lounges that airport has. The Capital One Lounges and Centurion Lounges are nice too. Have Fun!!! Btw, I have the Venture X and the Platinum and I am planning on getting the CSR in October. Yes, I am a little obsessed with Airport Lounges 😂.
I’d probably pick the CSR for me because I get the most value from it. Also, UR points are pretty valuable and stable.
Where are you from?
How do you get the $150 credit off the platinum annual fee by having the AmEx green corporate card? I have one myself but the green card is all through my company while my platinum is my personal. does this credit still apply?
here you go: www.americanexpress.com/content/dam/amex/us/credit-cards/features-benefits/corporate/corporate-marketing-assets/pcac-offer-overview.pdf
i have and adiction to collecting credit cards
Apple Card is great internationally since most places in Europe accept Apple Pay and there’s no foreign transaction fees
Do you have any thoughts about keeping credit cards and accumulating points through spend vs. rotating through credit cards for sign up bonus?
I don’t really do churning tbh. I only apply for credit cards when I see an actual need for them in my life to optimize dollar spending more!
I am a long time churner. The only annual fees I pay are for the Amex cards and only renew when they offer a significant bonus. Have a + 850 score because I do my research before I close an account.
hold up hold up, can you please elaborate on lowering the Plat's annual fee with the Green corporate, how do you go about doing so ?
It’s their corporate cards!
www.americanexpress.com/content/dam/amex/us/credit-cards/features-benefits/corporate/corporate-marketing-assets/pcac-offer-overview.pdf
Have you considered adding any Capital One cards? I decided to go with the Venture X and Savor One combo over the Chase cards.
That's next on my lis! So many people have mentioned Capital One and I'll look into it more now.
venture x is a sleeper! packs a great punch comparable to chase sapphire reserve but at a lower annual fee cost. I had to get it
can the BILT be use for mortgage payment aswell?
Unfortunately not :( lots of people were asking for that I believe.
Can you please share how many cards fit inside the wallet? I would like to purchase it.
At least 10 cards for me!
What about Germany and Lufthansa ?
Betterment also reimburses ATM fees worldwide and has no international fees. It’s the clone of the Schwab. Fidelity has a card that does the same as well.
Maybe I should get rid of my Schwab Checking then
Great content. I have 4 of these cards. Amex Platinum, Bilt, Amazon Prime and the Schwab debit card. I'm thinking about the Citi Premiere. I cancelled my Amex Green card but I might get it again in the Future. I make content too on cards and right now i have 31 cards 😉
Omg 31 cards is a lot. Why did you cancel your Amex Green?
@@techmentormaria hahahaha well I only carry 8 at any given time. Like I don't carry my platinum cards unless I'm traveling, etc... I cancelled the Green card because I have the NFCU More Rewards card which has most of the same multipliers but I want to gift CLEAR to my Oldest son so I'm going to get it again
@@MrBankRelations I want the Premier mainly for the SUB. I have the Multipliers beat with some of my other cards but I want into those Thank You Points! 😀.. and it is a nice looking card
Gutes Video aber die meisten sind nur in US verfügbar oder?
Ja ist nur USA
You flashed your custom card numbers towards the end
Yeah I replaced the card shortly after posting 😅 thanks for letting me know though.
Hi, how was your data points when you applied for the CSR? Currently, I have been receiving emails of pre approval, and also on the app is showing me that I'm pre aproved.
Ufff I think I was 2 years into even having a credit score, probably around 670 tbh but I had a chase checking account + my freedom already for a year. Also, I applied for the CSR in branch because I got rejected once before (struggles when you’re an immigrant without credit history I guess).
@@techmentormaria nice, thanks for sharing your experience.
Can you direct me to the business green card offsetting 150 for plat? Thank you!
It’s their corporate cards!
www.americanexpress.com/content/dam/amex/us/credit-cards/features-benefits/corporate/corporate-marketing-assets/pcac-offer-overview.pdf
Collecting credit cards like Pokémon cards huh… got to catch them all
You havent posted in a long time are you okay
I think your next step is to PC your CSR into a second CFF and then reapply for a new CSR to get another SUB!
I’m thinking about it but need to consider because I might invest in a second real estate property this year so can’t just randomly apply for cards and hurt my credit score 🥲
Oh what about getting the CIBC and since it’s a business card it won’t affect your person credit score
Amex Gold! 4x restaurants and groceries is HUGE! Also Amex Blue Business Plus for 2x points on every purchase which both cards goes perfectly with the Platinum
I really thought about it and this might be my next card for sure! But I’d only get it for restaurants because I get more value from the citi
SO the business unlimited isn’t even used? 13:59 seems like you really have too many credit cards and aren’t getting true value out of any of them
I use every card every month to its full potential for me :)
How you rack up all them Chase cards 5/24 is in the way right now..
It took me around 7 years to get all of those cards.
I’m curious to know what benefits you get out of the CSR that make you value it so much? For me and plenty of other people, the CSP is good enough when it comes to its benefits and multipliers. And the fact that its annual fee is $95 instead of $550, makes me so hesitant to upgrade to the CSR one day.
Oh I even did the math once 😅 www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8dDjjXR/
@@techmentormaria thank you so much for the breakdown!
Interesting note. If you upgrade to the CSR and downgrade it back before the annual fee is due, you get the benefits (like the $300 credit) without having to pay the annual fee. I upgraded my CFU to CSR in March, used the credit on a rental car & instacart credit a couple of times and then downgraded back to the CFU in July when I saw the annual fee hit. Never had to pay it.
The reserve is terrible value after year 1. You’re paying chase $250 to own the card
@@JB-pk1jx That's why you product change to no annual fee card whenever the annual fee hits to avoid paying it, and then upgrade again when you need the 1.5X multiplier for the travel portal or want to take advantage of the $300 travel credit. Wait for the annual fee to hit and downgrade again before you pay.
Maria, do you have something for German people? I guess you already advised your friends and family from Germany as well :)
I currently have just the Amex Platinum with the Reward Turbo 1,5x
Can I optimize while living in DE?
And as you know, every Creditcard is listed in "SCHUFA". Since a lot of Viewers are probably from Germany (I guess), it would be beneficial :)
I really appreciate any help you can provide.
Yeah I looked into it briefly and only found a few cards from Amex and some airline cards. I can film a special video on that in the next few weeks, just need to educate myself first :)
@@techmentormaria
@techmentormaria Many thanks!! :))
(i removed the link)
This is probably a good starting point since I'm eager to optimize my spending.
I also collect the Amex Points, then transfer them to Payback (yeah, you know this system, haha). And after that, there are yearly 2-3 times special offers, where you get 20% added Lufthansa Miles & More Points when converting to M&M.
So Amex to Payback -> 1:0,5,. And then 1:1 to M&M.
At least during my Consulting time, it helped me to get some free flights, Business Class upgrades, and my lovely Rimowa Cabin bag.
Best :)
@@techmentormaria Thank you!
US Bank Cash + is a must for the ultimate rewards setup. This allows you to earn 5% back on categories of your choosing, including utilities! The only downside is US Bank requires excellent credit to get approved.
US Bank also offers the Altitude Go, with 4x on dining, takeout and restaurant delivery--with no annual fee.
Both of these cards offer sign up bonuses.
Great idea for a next card, I’ll definitely look into it!
Next step, buying a trolley to carry all these cards while on a trip 😂😂😂
Apple Pay is my best friends :)
How many total credit cards you have now
Probably around 10!
any card wallet rec
Apple wallet 😅 jk, the one in the video is actually a card wallet for men (but I love it for me). High quality, sturdy and timeless.
Montblanc Card Holder: amzn.to/3NFf4AY
What if I told you you could get 5X UR on all your Amazon spend up to $25K/yr? Do you think anybody would be interested?
Spill the tea if it’s not fake news 😅
The betterment debit card also reimburses atm fees correct?
Yes, I learned that recently too!
Citi premier card is a sleeper!
💤
Wow, i will go crazy if i loose my wallet full of so many cards.
✨digital wallet✨
I’m getting German accent vibes
I need to find a way to slow your video down. 😂
Go to settings and click playback speed
My credit card journey:
1. Capital One Platinum
2. Capital One Quicksilver
3. Chase Freedom Unlimited
4. Chase Reserve
5. Apple Card
6. Bilt
6.5. Fizz (a debit card that acts like a credit card) - Found out about it through Caleb Hammer. Highly recommend it to especially people just getting into the CC game.
7. Curve
How are you using your Capital Ones?
Lol you are paying over $1000 a year alone in fees. How much does a person need to charge a year for it to be logical to own all those cards? Must be making some serious $$$$$
german please :(
Only 5% of my viewers are from Germany so wouldn’t make much sense for me to create German videos :(
I like 2 from Discover. One is a debit card for their online checking that gives 1% cash back and their Discover it card, which is their rotating 5% cash back card
I started out with Discover to build my credit score as an immigrant but switched to Chase a few years in for better value :)
Just subcribed.
Thank you!
@@techmentormaria You're welcome. Do you value hotel specific cards like Hyatt etc? What's your thoughts on hotel cards or do you just prefer flexible travel reward currency like Chase UR points for example?
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