Ranking My Travel Credit Cards from WORST to FIRST

In this video, we'll rank my travel credit cards from WORST to FIRST.

And this video is a response to a challenge issued by @SledgeIncTeam, who challenged other creators to rank their travel credit cards. These rankings are tons of fun!

The way I define a travel credit card is a card that I use either for travel spending or for benefits that are specific to the travel category, for example, lounge access and elevated hotel status.

The cards that we’ll be ranking today are: the US Bank Altitude Reserve card, the American Express Platinum card, the Chase Ritz Carlton card, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, the Marriott Bonvoy Business card, the Bilt Mastercard, the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite credit card, the American Express Hilton Honors Business card, and the Chase United Gateway card.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy this video of me ranking the travel credit cards from my own personal credit card portfolio!

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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:36 My Travel Credit Cards
01:57 Cards 7-9
06:14 Cards 4-6
09:04 Cards 1-3
12:57 Outro

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Note: This description contains affiliate links, meaning that I may earn a commission if you click through these links and successfully apply, sign up, or buy the product or service mentioned.
 
Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor, accountant, or lawyer, and as such, I do not provide financial, tax, or legal advice.  This video, and any ideas presented in it, are opinions and are provided for entertainment purposes only.  Please do your own research and consult your own financial, tax, or legal professional for specific advice.
 
#creditcard #travelcreditcards #bestcreditcards

[SectionChief]

When you mentioned combining your Chase United and Ritz card credit limits into one, most people don't realize that requesting/combining/etc. a 'large" credit limit onto a single card product may trigger an immediate or future financial review. So the bank's underwriting may be ok with giving someone $80k of credit spread amongst three products but may get very nervous or even prohibited approving/combing that same $80k credit line onto one product. YMMV.

[DugrozReports]

Good to see your somewhat non-traditional perspectives, thanks Stan!
Also good to see my sweetheart USB Altitude Reserve getting some love!

[MattWelterOfficial]

Really fun video here Stan! I'm hoping to pick up the Plat sometime this year to take advantage of a Centurion Lounge being in Seattle and being able to use a lot of the Credits. It's always interesting to hear your thoughts on the Marriott Ecosystem and why you value the Bonvoy Brilliant over the Ritz Carlton with the benefits you get from Platinum Elite Status like free breakfast. Great video as always!

[bikenraider]

Interesting ranking. Appreciate the insight.

[TheTravelingHatter]

Love the Centurion Lounge access. I have upped my travel game and the Lounge access is the key. 👍🏽

[Leoprieto]

I have the 12 beautiful travel cards and this is how I rank my 12 cards:

RANKING:

#12 Southwest Performance Biz
#11 Chase Freedom Flex
#10 JetBlue Plus
#9 C1 Venture X
#8 Amex Gold
#7 Amex Delta Reserve
#6 Chase United Club
#5 Chase Sapphire Reserve
#4 Citi AAdvantage Executive

And My Top Three:
#3 Amex Hilton Aspire
#2 Amex Marriott Brilliant
#1 Amex Platinum 💕

[jakemercure]

Awesome video Stan! Definitley helps out when people share their personal experience with each card. Maybe I'll have to consider the Plat 150k offer 👀

[kevinManhattan]

Love your channel Stan. For some reason, your explanation always makes sense!
Platinum at top isn't surprise but #2 was. Love the rest of your setup up too! I love how you actually get cards that you need instead of want. I have a ton of cards that I "want" and sometimes find myself not using them too much. Like, I am in SF/San Jose area, so Southwest is my go to. But also have both Alaska and Alaska business (only because I heard it's miles are valuable by some YouTubers!!) LOL They have buy one and get one for $99 but haven't been able to use it once in 3 years!.

[AP_]

How would you view the Ritz if the AR expanded lounge from 8 to say 25? How do you use the credits from the Ritz typically? It’s an interesting card that has lots of hype but I think it’s biggest strength are its protections which most bypass because Platinum offers 5X. Would appreciate your insight. Great video!!

[exclusivelymatt]

Love my Platinum Card, however I can't help but feel there should be an added multiplier for Hotels booked outside of the AMEX portal. In my experience, unless there is an AMEX offer going or I use it for FHR, I'd rather just book directly with the hotels due to typically lower prices.

[LK_EBM]

Great analysis of your card! I really seeing how different people optimize their setup.

I like your analysis of the Bank of America travel portal. Similarly, I have so many miles, and flight credit, . I wouldn't see myself using a travel portal either.

[kaina]

I am planning to product change to the Ritz-Carlton and apply for the AmEx Platinum in 2024. Great list!

[foto]

My travel cards ranked 1- 6... Platinum, Chase Preferred, Hilton Surpass, Hilton Business, Amex Marriott Business, Bilt (especially on rent day!). Honorable mentions Chase Freedom Flex (for now) as I use the grocery 5x for Airbnb and other gift cards. Which also makes the Chase Ink Cash also an honorable mention for 5x on gift cards.

[StephanieCopeland-yn]

Hello! Great video! What are your thoughts on the LV hotel availability in the Amex FHR program? I noticed a lot of hotels (mgm) are no longer part of the program in 2024. I’m super bummed, just got the card a few months ago and was really looking forward to the benefits in Vegas. Looks like Wynn, Four Seasons and Crockfords are the only participants 😮

[jtoddsmith]

I was shocked to see you have the Barclays Arrival card. With practically zero offers, promos, or effort from Barclays on that card, I thought maybe I was the only person that was still a cardholder. 🤣

[michellekelley]

Took note of that comment about SMF Escape. I have to say though that the Escape Lounge at SMF Terminal B is the worst lounge I've ever been in. Wish SMF would get something better in the mix or at least expand that one. It's so tiny and cramped and the food is minimal, meh, and often just MIA. If I'm traveling with my family, we just skip it because they absolutely hate that lounge so much.

[ItsEricSmart]

Amex platinum Card would be number 3 for me AR #2 CSR #1

[siumaka]

Loved the video, Stan. I think you'll be better off when you downgrade your BOA card to the regular Premium Rewards. I saw your portfolio doesn't have fan favorites like CSP/CSR or Venture X. Seems like you're with AMEX... for now (I dropped it last May with no regrets). I like the company, but the Platinum no longer is worth it to me. For my travel cards, I love the Venture X (especially free authorized users and good insurance) and BOA Premier. I intend to get the IHG One Rewards Premier as my main hotel card. With a 40000 annual free night, it pays for itself.

[dariusjamal]

Nice video Stan 👍 It's cool to see the different perspectives/uses of each card. That 3x wallet spend on the Altitude Card is pretty awesome too, since it opens the door for a lot of value. I haven't stepped into the US bank realm yet.

[ConstantPoints]

Yes #2 was a shocker 🤣. Good explanation though I’ll give you that!