Post AdPiI6yHTSmq3ddu9Q by Sandbox@noagendasocial.com
(DIR) More posts by Sandbox@noagendasocial.com
(DIR) Post #AdNO32sW1TntcWZ4Qy by NBS@noagendasocial.com
2023-12-31T18:02:32Z
0 likes, 2 repeats
Two and a half hour layover in Charlotte, but it was somewhat intentional.Charlotte has a Centurion Amex lounge, and it's a very good one. Free cooked fancy lunch, free beers, free coffee, faster wifi, relaxing comfy spot to myself. Plus the private bathroom are an added bonus.American Express is worth it even if you travel just a few times a year (with the added other bonuses for the usual spending).
(DIR) Post #AdNOey9q1RaDz3kbKq by IceCubeSoup@noagendasocial.com
2023-12-31T18:09:24Z
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@NBS The fact that I will never use this advice doesn't mean that it isn't good.
(DIR) Post #AdNSn5nDuz6znVIlma by cake@noagendasocial.com
2023-12-31T18:55:41Z
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@NBS which tier of Amex is good for occasional travel? I am looking for a better rewards card.
(DIR) Post #AdNVQapsdRStHFVWnA by NBS@noagendasocial.com
2023-12-31T19:25:14Z
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@cake The Amex gold or Delta (if you fly delta) Amex gold are probably pretty good options. Both have annual fees, but even with the platinum ($695 annual) I get about $1k a year in cash back or credits. I’m sure it’s similar with the gold cards, Amex benefits are just very good, particularly the credits you can get back.
(DIR) Post #AdNW83Bf6LcFewPxlQ by NBS@noagendasocial.com
2023-12-31T19:33:05Z
0 likes, 1 repeats
If you can stomach the upfront $695 annual fee, the Amex platinum rewards more than pay for itself. After today’s flight, I will have received $1.2k in credits on my 2023 statements (so I’ve made $505). This isn’t counting the points I’ve received for all of my spending.2022 I was able to get $1.1k in statement credits. So you can actually make money with the card. Again, not even counting the points received.
(DIR) Post #AdNWkmI3rCMoY4sTa4 by NBS@noagendasocial.com
2023-12-31T19:40:05Z
0 likes, 1 repeats
Rough breakdown of credits:$240 in digital subscriptions$200 in airline fees$200 in hotel fees$200 Uber credit~$350 in various brand discounts taken from random offers ($50 back at Best Buy for buying $100 worth of stuff, for example)Well worth it
(DIR) Post #AdNXTvsL4BVDJ8NTE0 by cmurda@noagendasocial.com
2023-12-31T19:48:14Z
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@NBS I used to travel constantly before having kids and I got the Amex that gets you into the centurion lounges. They are truly amazing. The amex concierge is great too. Easily worth the $500 or whatever
(DIR) Post #AdNYlz3y3OjSMOzKt6 by El_Toro@noagendasocial.com
2023-12-31T20:02:43Z
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@NBS I love my Gold Amex for the same reasons.... May be time to upgrade to the platinum version. We just don't travel much so I've stuck with Gold
(DIR) Post #AdNZ3OmFhaHL2D0RDU by CSB@noagendasocial.com
2023-12-31T20:05:52Z
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@NBS but if one doesn't fly or if one flies only on business when employer pays, then there is no reason to upgrade my amex green?
(DIR) Post #AdNaKqEux0Yb5JIN9s by cake@noagendasocial.com
2023-12-31T20:20:13Z
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@NBS thanks. We have a lot more travel to navigate now that we live away from family so this helps.
(DIR) Post #AdNaLkIkVwtcxPWDuC by Cosmic@noagendasocial.com
2023-12-31T20:20:22Z
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@CSB @NBS Don’t upgrade. They likely won’t give you a starting bonus.Gold is great for groceries. Platinum for travel. I don’t think green has much value compared to gold tbh
(DIR) Post #AdNb3MzoWa0tQ0SnRI by Cosmic@noagendasocial.com
2023-12-31T20:28:16Z
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@CSB @NBS Note, getting a new card !== upgrading, different operations.New card, you should be able to get a starting bonus, especially when you have not held a higher level card.Unsure if bonus for gold or platinum outweighs the cost of holding green + gold, or green + platinum, but good chance it does. May be broader credit implications worth researching.Gold + platinum is the sweetest combo
(DIR) Post #AdNhrN4P7fsNqtpu4G by CSB@noagendasocial.com
2023-12-31T21:44:32Z
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@Cosmic either way I use too little my cards including amex to upgradei have gold visa but green amex suffices@NBS
(DIR) Post #AdNi9nPpuPZmm4e91U by Cosmic@noagendasocial.com
2023-12-31T21:47:51Z
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@CSB @NBS If you eat food, you might consider looking at what gives the best point yield (I cannot say based on your specific situation) Oh, and some of the Amex benefits are US only. No idea what they market internationally.
(DIR) Post #AdNmBqJqU7OaAu4lXc by NBS@noagendasocial.com
2023-12-31T22:33:03Z
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@Cosmic @CSB Mostly agree with what Cosmic said, especially the US part. Definitely check with Amex which benefits aren’t US only. And I wouldn’t upgrade, try to apply for a new card to get the sign-on bonus for sure.I will say though that I rarely travel, only went on 4 major trips this year. 1 - 2 trips per year will pay for the hotel, flight, and Uber credits you get. For me it made sense, but the Gold is just as good for most people.
(DIR) Post #AdNn2AIxQKDHDYbrXM by CSB@noagendasocial.com
2023-12-31T22:42:30Z
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@NBS Yez, Amex has benefits local to each country In Your 4 trips you paid for flights with Amex?Myself when I fly on business then employer buys me tickets so I don’t have to use my credit cards at all CC: @Cosmic
(DIR) Post #AdO4zRnJjtkzlcfE9Y by WuTangHam@noagendasocial.com
2024-01-01T02:03:42Z
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@NBS @Cosmic @CSB I've found the Chase Sapphire Reserve good for me in a similar vein as it pays for itself and then some. While the AmEx lounges easily beat the Priority Pass ones, there are too few of them and often not where I fly. And I'm not booking flights or hotels through the AmEx portal at minimum for business travel (so I don't think I'd reap those credits). I do re-evaluate cards on a regular basis and will look again next time.
(DIR) Post #AdPiI6yHTSmq3ddu9Q by Sandbox@noagendasocial.com
2024-01-01T20:58:47Z
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@NBS Am Ex screwed me badly 15 years ago so I never want to be their customer again. They had a data input error that resulted in cancellation of my card during a very expensive business trip. Even though I was platinum they seemed to infer it was my fault. When a supervisor realized their error they were not apologetic or helpful. I said F.U our business relationship is finished. They said ok.