Death, Taxes, Devaluations

Back to Basics of the Week: American Airlines

 

Viewer Questions

• With sweet spots disappearing and devaluations happening regularly for travel partners, are we all heading towards cash back and travel portals with a boost like with Chase and USBAR? - Anthony 
• What is the top destination on your bucket list and how would you get there?  If you say the Maldives, then I’m unsubscribing. - Keith
• RJ and Lani talk about how "travel day is sacred". Wondering if you could get more into that, like where you find value in "travel day" benefits from your cards, status, other memberships like Clear, etc. - Double Double Animal Fries
• Would you get the $0 AF Bilt Card in 2025?  Please elaborate. - Keith

News Round-Up

• None

 

Topics

Matt 

• Which Card or Issuer had the “best” year in 2024? (Could be based on perception changes, card buffs, transfer partners, etc; and I’m NOT going to name Wells Fargo)

Lani

• As a “Team Take the Trip” advocate, over these past trips, my family (and I) have gotten really spoiled with luxury properties. Most of which outside of my plan A strategy, meaning, booked outside of IHG, United miles. More so Amex FHR/Chase Edit (2 Waldorfs, JW Marriot, etc). 
• Thinking of trip coming in 2025, I’m looking at Evermore resort Orlando, and my wife wants to stay at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. Now these options do not take points (kinda). Hearing about from your partner aside, if “take the trip meant” cash even tho you’re sitting on a pile of points, do you still do it or not?

Tariq

• I was recently denied for a card that’s on my game plan. How would you go about making any adjustment if deemed necessary?

RJ

• What is the “best” card with an AF of between $1 and $99? 
  • Yes this is going to depend on the ecosystem but for a moment let’s set that to the side.