Americans paid $130 billion in credit card interest and fees in 2022, according to a new report. Here are three strategies to help limit those charges.
I pay $400 a year for the card itself and pay nothing beyond that. I have lounge access while traveling, get $300 a year in travel vouchers, get dash pass, and Hulu.
Unless you are not paying your balance cc’s are easy and save money unless you use them irresponsibly.
Only if you will use the travel vouchers religiously without forcing it, and really want free drinks and sandwiches during waits at airports. If you will use those things, and it’s not a forced thing, 100%, you’ll save money vs paying for food/drinks at retail prices.
Because it’s only “free” if you are going to use the services quite a bit already to make the math work out in your favor. If you don’t travel twice a year or more there are better cards out there which offer better discounts.
Maybe Venture X? I have CSR and don’t think I get Hulu with it. I didn’t think Venture X had it either but I can’t think of other cards with 400 annual fee.
Probably not worth, it has a lot of overlap with other cards. The Ritz card provides better lounge access and the CSP has a 10% point bonus per year I think. I keep it because at an effective $250 annual fee (550 - 300 travel credit) I make more than the CSP from travel spend, where it has a 3x multiplier instead of 2x.
Flights go on Amex Plat, Marriott hotels on Ritz, other travel expenses (namely other hotels) on CSR. If you’re not spending enough on one of those categories the value of that respective card drops, save for the Ritz which is just worth it in every scenario.
I get mine for free. And as long as I pay the balance on time there are no costs at all. It’s really just convinent. I get a few bonuses, too. Like 15% off a specific car rental (I don’t drive) and some points that I can redeem, but so far I never even bothered with any of it.
But paying online is just so much easier with a CC. I don’t get the hate.
I pay $400 a year for the card itself and pay nothing beyond that. I have lounge access while traveling, get $300 a year in travel vouchers, get dash pass, and Hulu.
Unless you are not paying your balance cc’s are easy and save money unless you use them irresponsibly.
You’re paying 400 a year for the card? Fucking hell, I don’t think I’ve paid that much for my card in the 11 years I’ve had it
Yes. I fly 6 or 7 times a year though so with the $300 voucher it’s easy for me to make that $400 back.
The cost of everything is artificially inflated by about 3% due to the merchant fees on said credit cards.
We’re all being played. If you have a cash back or rewards credit card, you’re just being played less. It’s a huge scam that were stuck using.
Chase Reserve? Wondering if it’s worth it over the lower tier.
Only if you will use the travel vouchers religiously without forcing it, and really want free drinks and sandwiches during waits at airports. If you will use those things, and it’s not a forced thing, 100%, you’ll save money vs paying for food/drinks at retail prices.
Why would you not want free drinks and sandwiches?
Because they aren’t free if you only get them by paying 400 bucks to spend your money.
Because it’s only “free” if you are going to use the services quite a bit already to make the math work out in your favor. If you don’t travel twice a year or more there are better cards out there which offer better discounts.
Well considering I travel more than twice a month, it’s a great perk.
Wait you get free drinks and sandwiches? Shit I usually pay like $50-70 in the airport bar/restaurant.
Yes. Lounge access is fantastic. You wont get free food every time, but most of the time it’s there for you.
Maybe Venture X? I have CSR and don’t think I get Hulu with it. I didn’t think Venture X had it either but I can’t think of other cards with 400 annual fee.
Probably not worth, it has a lot of overlap with other cards. The Ritz card provides better lounge access and the CSP has a 10% point bonus per year I think. I keep it because at an effective $250 annual fee (550 - 300 travel credit) I make more than the CSP from travel spend, where it has a 3x multiplier instead of 2x.
Flights go on Amex Plat, Marriott hotels on Ritz, other travel expenses (namely other hotels) on CSR. If you’re not spending enough on one of those categories the value of that respective card drops, save for the Ritz which is just worth it in every scenario.
Any recommendations for a good air miles cc? I have two 2% cash backs and realize I don’t need two that do the same thing lol.
I get mine for free. And as long as I pay the balance on time there are no costs at all. It’s really just convinent. I get a few bonuses, too. Like 15% off a specific car rental (I don’t drive) and some points that I can redeem, but so far I never even bothered with any of it.
But paying online is just so much easier with a CC. I don’t get the hate.