The worst part about business class overseas travel with a family is those taxes and fees!!! Trying to find for 4 people, round-trip, next summer, and it's daunting!
I agree, IHG has very good redemptions compared to Hilton even though most rate them both at .5 cents. And Intercontinentals are really cheap overseas. Staying at the Rabat Conrad this September and will let you know.
Yeah man, this card absolutely sucks. Nothing justifies an annual fee, no benefits, no path to status and mediocre miles earnings. Hit the bonus and close it out
This is my strategy: I only apply for cards that I want to keep in my wallet till death do us part. In other words, does the card provide value to me on year 2 and beyond (long term)? I also go after the cards with elevated travel perks and benefits. Till this day, I have 16 cards and I don’t have any other card in my sight for now. Other than a potential future more premium Chase World of Hyatt card.
@@LukesPointsandMiles 👍,… 😂, only rumors about a potential more premium WoH card. Still, no rush with me, I am a Marriott guy with Hilton in 2nd place.
Ever since I got into credit cards as a hobby I love collecting the cards. Thanks for the video Luke. I will say, for me, if a card looks cool I might shamelessly grab it lol.
I'm with you with going after hotel cards, already have cards for Hilton, IHG, Marriott (per & bus) and four airline cards so next on the list are: Wyndham Business IHG business Choice personal Hyatt personal Wyndham business Best Western
I was soo close to pulling the trigger on this card! I got pre-approved but there was no way to tell if I would get the metal card 😂 so I backed out. I really only wanted it for limited release metal card. Nice add to your collection 👍🏼
I would be applying for this card also if I wasn’t buying a new house & going through the mortgage process. Maybe in a few months. I think they increased that 45K business class to 65K earlier in the year. Sounds like you’ve got some great memories with your cards and family. I’m so jealous you have that limited edition Delta reserve card! The darker one was so much cooler than the lighter one.
I feel you there brother lol I’m at the point to where I just grabbed a card for my local grocery store 🤦🏾♂️ What do you think about the wells onekey cards?
@@MichaelPithium89 the one key cards are really interesting for a free agent traveler. Rakuten + Expedia = good Gaines. But then I start thinking about no annual fee 5% cash back cards.
I have an H-E-B card by Imprint. No annual fee. 5% on H-E-B products and deliveries. 1.5% on everything else. I’m trying to see if they have phone protection and travel cancellation since it is Visa Signature card. It’s my main card now as I’m looking for a good travel card and maybe another cash back to compliment it. (I’m looking for an alternative to the Capital One duo or the Chase trifecta). My other cards are older ones when I was still ignorant about the card game: Discover It and Legacy Visa. I also have the Wander Card by Credit One Bank that I got mainly for the commercials, but that card offers very, very, very little for the $95 annual fee. And I may close after having it for almost a year.
Just use the chase portal with the CSR and you'll get 1.5 cpp. When comparing with IHG pricing even with the 4th night free you get a better redemption rate.
well that's interesting. But I cant buy Chase points for half. penny each. Cashing out a Chase point and purchasing 2 IHG points and then getting 1 cpp basically beats that 1.5 by 25%
@@LukesPointsandMiles ya I’ve gotten a few decently priced nights near national parks during peak season but with this SLH thing I’m thinking the next time I’ll just skip paying 40-50k IHG/night to stay at some random Holiday Inn Express and just pay 80-90k HH a night and stay at SLH. Same boat as you though, maxed out Hilton points buying on P1 and P2. I guess this is lifestyle inflation. Also I should really start looking at IC/Kimpton hotels more in big cities. Usually there’s a decently price JW, GH or whatnot and I just book that instead of checking IHG. just a shame there’s basically zero value in redeeming points at Six Senses.
Great perspective, Uncle Luke. I see travel - and the memories that it creates - as an investment in myself just as I see education as one of the most important investments that a person can make in him- or herself. You're exactly right: it really brings history to life when you've set foot on the places that you read about in books. 🤯
Hey uncle Luke, I think you said the price for a business class flight from north America to Istanbul was 45k miles, but that was before that nasty devaluation in Feb, now it's 65k
@@ari_doubleu looks like you’re right. Well that makes this card even worse. Haha. Oh well I’ve already hit the bonus so I guess I can get 2/3 of the way to a ticket.
@@LukesPointsandMiles yeah I just confirmed, the "promotional" price, AKA saver award, is 65k. I verified on a ticket I found from JFK to IST on 1/9/25. Sad!
How often would you recommend going for a SUB rather than spending toward a FNC with a surpass at $15k? I’m getting 8.64 CPP redemptions with Hilton points (including 5th night free), and staying at a Conrad for $622/night = 6.74% return on spend. Even when my car payment, prepaid college, or PayPal employee expenses charge a 3% fee, that’s still a 3.74% return. I have 4 surpass allowing me to do this 4 times. I mix in a SUB when possible, but my days off of work are limited (so while I still earn plenty of transferable points, I also think the ability to stay at Conrads for a reasonable return is a good idea). What about only using the venture X/Savor one after hitting the 15k spend threadholds? That way the capital one is a backup? (I have and use those cards currently.) Thoughts on all the above? Also, if you’re coming to Fort Lauderdale soon and would like to let me buy you a beer, would love to meet ya and talk points!
@@jarete.1491 we just got back from the Conrad Fort Lauderdale! I think the surpass FNC’s are 100% worth it. I have to question 8.64 cpp on Hilton redemptions though. That’s not something I’ve ever seen or heard of. Might this be a decimal issue? .864 seems like a better than average redemption.
Love this! Why not right? Get what you can on spend you are making!!! Spend and get 1 or 2x, or get a SUB....no contest! Congrats I guess???? Thanks for the video!! Better bring that card to show off at Nola
Thumbs up, u mean no free check bags, status upgrade, tsa precheck or lounge access? Give me a metal card and waive annual fee might be worth it.... where is ur referral link for this card?
Luke, as you mentioned, this card will definitely give you an excuse to visit Istanbul/Turkey. I hope you won't apply for Communist nation airline or Code 4(Dangerous to visit country) card in the future. 😆😂
The worst part about business class overseas travel with a family is those taxes and fees!!!
Trying to find for 4 people, round-trip, next summer, and it's daunting!
@@DugrozReports I do not envy you with that task.
I agree, IHG has very good redemptions compared to Hilton even though most rate them both at .5 cents. And Intercontinentals are really cheap overseas.
Staying at the Rabat Conrad this September and will let you know.
Thanks uncle Luke!
@@thomaslautenberger6447 thanks for stopping by!!
Thanks for the info + video!
@@jimmyjames6492 tha know for stopping by, sir!
I agree with you 100% on making memorable trips with Carlos.
@@paulstein916 he’s loving it and he’s a great traveler.
Where are you getting a business class ticket for 45k miles?
@@faisalbilal1107 apparently the saver awards for business have gone up recently to 65k. Just a few months ago they were 45k.
Yeah man, this card absolutely sucks. Nothing justifies an annual fee, no benefits, no path to status and mediocre miles earnings. Hit the bonus and close it out
@@Frederico.Huguenin haha 💯
This is my strategy: I only apply for cards that I want to keep in my wallet till death do us part. In other words, does the card provide value to me on year 2 and beyond (long term)? I also go after the cards with elevated travel perks and benefits. Till this day, I have 16 cards and I don’t have any other card in my sight for now. Other than a potential future more premium Chase World of Hyatt card.
@@Leoprieto74 I think that’s a great strategy. Although im pessimistic about any new Hyatt cards.
@@LukesPointsandMiles 👍,… 😂, only rumors about a potential more premium WoH card. Still, no rush with me, I am a Marriott guy with Hilton in 2nd place.
Ever since I got into credit cards as a hobby I love collecting the cards. Thanks for the video Luke. I will say, for me, if a card looks cool I might shamelessly grab it lol.
@@JPBuffet haha. Glad to see I’m not alone !!
I'm with you with going after hotel cards, already have cards for Hilton, IHG, Marriott (per & bus) and four airline cards so next on the list are:
Wyndham Business
IHG business
Choice personal
Hyatt personal
Wyndham business
Best Western
I was soo close to pulling the trigger on this card! I got pre-approved but there was no way to tell if I would get the metal card 😂 so I backed out. I really only wanted it for limited release metal card. Nice add to your collection 👍🏼
@@Xavier_ID. haha. I feel like since the offer for the metal is still there, ill get the metal card
@@LukesPointsandMiles I hope so man! Good luck!
I would be applying for this card also if I wasn’t buying a new house & going through the mortgage process. Maybe in a few months. I think they increased that 45K business class to 65K earlier in the year. Sounds like you’ve got some great memories with your cards and family. I’m so jealous you have that limited edition Delta reserve card! The darker one was so much cooler than the lighter one.
@@mostlyfreetravel it’s sure was but that card also reminds me of deltas melt down that summer that canceled out Cancun trip. Haha
☠️
I feel you there brother lol I’m at the point to where I just grabbed a card for my local grocery store 🤦🏾♂️
What do you think about the wells onekey cards?
@@MichaelPithium89 the one key cards are really interesting for a free agent traveler. Rakuten + Expedia = good Gaines. But then I start thinking about no annual fee 5% cash back cards.
I have an H-E-B card by Imprint.
No annual fee.
5% on H-E-B products and deliveries.
1.5% on everything else.
I’m trying to see if they have phone protection and travel cancellation since it is Visa Signature card.
It’s my main card now as I’m looking for a good travel card and maybe another cash back to compliment it. (I’m looking for an alternative to the Capital One duo or the Chase trifecta).
My other cards are older ones when I was still ignorant about the card game: Discover It and Legacy Visa.
I also have the Wander Card by Credit One Bank that I got mainly for the commercials, but that card offers very, very, very little for the $95 annual fee. And I may close after having it for almost a year.
@@kirk1701 the discover IT is one of the best starter cards in the game. I feel like everyone should have one!!
Ugh IHG redemptions have been getting worse and worse. Thank goodness for Hilton.
There are some really nice sweet spots with IHg.
Just use the chase portal with the CSR and you'll get 1.5 cpp. When comparing with IHG pricing even with the 4th night free you get a better redemption rate.
well that's interesting. But I cant buy Chase points for half. penny each. Cashing out a Chase point and purchasing 2 IHG points and then getting 1 cpp basically beats that 1.5 by 25%
Good point @@LukesPointsandMiles
@@LukesPointsandMiles ya I’ve gotten a few decently priced nights near national parks during peak season but with this SLH thing I’m thinking the next time I’ll just skip paying 40-50k IHG/night to stay at some random Holiday Inn Express and just pay 80-90k HH a night and stay at SLH. Same boat as you though, maxed out Hilton points buying on P1 and P2. I guess this is lifestyle inflation.
Also I should really start looking at IC/Kimpton hotels more in big cities. Usually there’s a decently price JW, GH or whatnot and I just book that instead of checking IHG. just a shame there’s basically zero value in redeeming points at Six Senses.
I am still early game but if i was late game, i would absolutely go for that card just for the SUB
@@887363 I don’t think it was a great idea but hey, points are points.
The end game is kind of depressing not going to lie 😂
Banks can’t keep up I guess
US Bank Altitude Reserve and chill.
@@TheZombaslaya the USBAR with satisfy anyone’s need for bonuses. But holding it while scooping these little ones might be a cool.
Great perspective, Uncle Luke. I see travel - and the memories that it creates - as an investment in myself just as I see education as one of the most important investments that a person can make in him- or herself.
You're exactly right: it really brings history to life when you've set foot on the places that you read about in books. 🤯
@@thirtynine392001 I feel sorry for my son’s teachers! Haha
I’m at the point where I’m about to start adding free AUs to my Amex cards for 15k MR points for a few thousand spend.
Ha! Yeah I’ve done that. I don’t really do it anymore just because I hate spending on them
Hey uncle Luke, I think you said the price for a business class flight from north America to Istanbul was 45k miles, but that was before that nasty devaluation in Feb, now it's 65k
@@ari_doubleu are you sure? I thought three was still savor awards for 45k?
@@ari_doubleu looks like you’re right. Well that makes this card even worse. Haha. Oh well I’ve already hit the bonus so I guess I can get 2/3 of the way to a ticket.
@@LukesPointsandMiles yeah I just confirmed, the "promotional" price, AKA saver award, is 65k. I verified on a ticket I found from JFK to IST on 1/9/25. Sad!
@@ari_doubleu well I’m hoping there are still 10k United flights haha.
@@LukesPointsandMiles same lolol I transferred 45k right before the devaluation 🤦
How often would you recommend going for a SUB rather than spending toward a FNC with a surpass at $15k? I’m getting 8.64 CPP redemptions with Hilton points (including 5th night free), and staying at a Conrad for $622/night = 6.74% return on spend. Even when my car payment, prepaid college, or PayPal employee expenses charge a 3% fee, that’s still a 3.74% return. I have 4 surpass allowing me to do this 4 times. I mix in a SUB when possible, but my days off of work are limited (so while I still earn plenty of transferable points, I also think the ability to stay at Conrads for a reasonable return is a good idea). What about only using the venture X/Savor one after hitting the 15k spend threadholds? That way the capital one is a backup? (I have and use those cards currently.) Thoughts on all the above? Also, if you’re coming to Fort Lauderdale soon and would like to let me buy you a beer, would love to meet ya and talk points!
@@jarete.1491 we just got back from the Conrad Fort Lauderdale! I think the surpass FNC’s are 100% worth it. I have to question 8.64 cpp on Hilton redemptions though. That’s not something I’ve ever seen or heard of. Might this be a decimal issue? .864 seems like a better than average redemption.
@@LukesPointsandMiles haha yes, I was typing while trying to take care of the kiddo. 0.864 is what I meant. Hope you enjoyed the Conrad!
@@jarete.1491 the Conrad is great. But it maybe time for us to find a new “regular” place
Do you worry about your SSN and personal information everywhere and the risk of exposure when a financial institution is hacked ?
@@generousy.710 never even think about it. Ever.
Love this! Why not right? Get what you can on spend you are making!!! Spend and get 1 or 2x, or get a SUB....no contest! Congrats I guess???? Thanks for the video!! Better bring that card to show off at Nola
@@PhilMo78 ha! I’m sure I’ll be the only one there with that card! Haha
Thumbs up, u mean no free check bags, status upgrade, tsa precheck or lounge access? Give me a metal card and waive annual fee might be worth it.... where is ur referral link for this card?
@@bt3299 I don’t think here is a link for this one! Haha. And yea, no benefits at all haha
Luke, as you mentioned, this card will definitely give you an excuse to visit Istanbul/Turkey. I hope you won't apply for Communist nation airline or Code 4(Dangerous to visit country) card in the future. 😆😂
@@SYS-ky7zk 🤣 no I think I’m sticking to business cards after this.
Wow you have cards for 2025 already! 😂.
@@robertjarrell7276 I’m pushing the pace!!
👍
Hey sir!
@@azfox09 🥇