Credit Card Thread - Now with a Beginner's Guide to free travel/FAQ

Discussion in 'The Mainboard' started by blind dog, Apr 10, 2015.

  1. racer

    racer Yuma, where I work in software.
    Donor
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    http://millionmileguy.com/is-tpg-a-bad-guy/

    n. 2020
    IS TPG A BAD GUY?
    Extravagant
    If you haven’t read this piece in Business Insider about Brian Kelly, aka “The Points Guy” or “TPG” as many call him, you may want to check it out. It’s been out for awhile, but many in the points, miles and travel space haven’t read it yet. If you don’t have access to Business Insider, there’s also this link. The article is interesting for a variety of reasons, but partly because TPG is and advertising partner of Business Insider, which means it’s likely not in the company’s interest to paint a negative picture with a hit-job type piece.

    As some personal background, I started collecting points and miles many years ago after hearing an interview that Brian gave on a local radio station in my area. He didn’t give out a lot of specifics in the interview, but it revolved around travel and reducing the costs, so it caught my attention. I did my research for a few months then dove in pretty intently and haven’t looked back since. But I’m grateful for hearing that interview, so indirectly I owe Brian some thanks for being a catalyst for my involvement in the travel rewards space. Thanks Brian.

    I should say before I go on that I’ve never met Brian Kelly. I saw him briefly walking towards the exit at my first Chicago Seminars back in 2013. He apparently came in to give a few minute speech and left. I remember thinking it seemed very odd that he would come to an event like the Chicago Seminars, which is filled with his target audience, and leave so soon. Some people at the seminar were kind of irritated that he bolted out the door so quickly. I remember not caring, just thinking it was odd. I also remember he was much taller than I thought, and dressed kind of strangely. His garb looked expensive, but also unusual or even odd.

    Bad Mojo
    In the article, Brian is accused of sexual harrassment, drug use, and basically being a bad guy. Here’s a few notable quotes from the piece:

    “Business Insider spoke with 28 current and former employees, freelancers, and contractors, 23 of whom described a toxic work environment they said was fostered by Kelly……Some ex-employees describe Kelly’s treatment of his staffers as condescending, rude, and unprofessional.”

    and…

    “…the reality of working alongside the 37-year-old travel guru can be a nightmare, according to a number of former and current employees with whom we spoke. Multiple sources described Kelly, who was also known for his generosity, as having a quick temper. Some say Kelly subjected them to verbal abuse and berated them in public Slack channels. In one case, a freelance producer claimed Kelly made an inappropriate sexual advance during a trip to Costa Rica. The CEO’s splurges — like a $50,000 personal-security bill for a work trip to Israel — became a concern for TPG’s parent company, Red Ventures, according to a former editorial employee.”

    TPG doesn’t own his website anymore, that was sold to Bankrate.com (later acquired by Red Ventures in 2017). According to the article TPG’s website generated more than $50 million in profit last year.” I’ve heard that as part of the sale of thepointsguy, Brian was to receive the reward points for hotel stays by all TPG employees. I think those points are via hotels.com, but again, I don’t have confirmation on that. Brian Kelly still looks to be CEO at TPG (https://thepointsguy.com/author/the-points-guy/), and also hosts a podcast called The Talking Points, which has great audio quality but seems to be more of a platform for travel and finance CEO’s to promote themselves than hard core points talk. It’s a show that lost me from the beginning. Brian announced a $5,000 donation to a charity Matt Kepnes runs on a recent episodetoo, so that was nice.

    When Drew MacComber went to work at TPG I was very surprised. I interviewed Drew on podcast #14 of my podcast (The Travel Points Podcast), and at the end of the interview, asked if he’d been contacted by any of the big blogs about working for them. A few weeks later his website was purchased and he went to work for TPG. In the interview, Drew kind of paused after I asked him if he had been contacted about working for one of the big blogs, and I assume that pending relationship was why. I was saddened to see Drew go to TPG, as his blog is growing cobwebs now but was one of the best, most unique and interesting points and miles blogs out there.

    Who’s Bad
    I’m not writing any of this from ill will towards Brian or TPG. I don’t know that much about either. TPG isn’t a resource I have spent much time using. The constant barrage of credit card adverts is too much for me to deal with, and the content is often written by young people I don’t know or trust. The site seems to cater to intro to medium experienced points enthusiasts. That’s totally fine, as there needs to be resources for everyone, it just doesn’t appeal to me very much. As a bigger issue though, TPG’s ties with big banks and “advertising partners” is way too tight for me, and I just don’t trust it as being independent. I’m not saying their information is false, it’s just not a resource I value much. Some do and that’s fine for them.

    I don’t doubt that Brian is an interesting guy. I’d guess for many who first meet him he’s probably very engaging and even magnetic. I imagine that he has many interesting stories about his life path, his former company TPG, and travel. But outside of that he seems like a pretty empty guy, like he’s chasing fame, and the article seems to paint that picture quite clearly. The author of the piece also spoke with many current and former TPG employees, and doesn’t appear to have malice as the intention. I believe the piece is accurate, but that’s for you to decide on your own. It’s interesting that he still has a prominent role with TPG even after he sold his company. That prominent relationship could be a public relations time bomb waiting to explode. However, to cut out the founder of the company at this stage would be seemingly be very difficult.

    [​IMG]
    Screenshot of Brian Kelly in a recent photo from the TPG website; still a prominent feature of The Points Guy despite selling his blog to a large, outside company.
    Bad Meaning Good, Not Good Meaning Bad
    The points world is an interesting place. I met Rene, originally from Deltapoints (later changed to renespoints) at a dinner years ago in Minneapolis. I shook his hand and asked him who he was, as I had no idea and didn’t read his blog. He said “Oh, I own a small little blog…”, and seemed very happy with himself. To me, the guy seemed full of himself, and kind of a pompous ass. I only have that dinner experience with him, so it’s possible I’m wrong there, but I wouldn’t bet on it.

    Last summer Greg and Nick from FrequentMiler hosted a Minneapolis presentation. They both generally have a solid reputation in the points and miles world. Greg arrived in Minneapolis the night before and I invited him out with some local points people for beers and a look at the city before the presentation the next day. Our group picked him up from his hotel and drove him out to a notable and large, mostly outdoor bar in Minneapolis. I bought one of the round of drinks and ended up driving him back to his hotel. The next day after the presentation was over, many in attendance had dinner. I drove Nick and Greg to the dinner from the presentation. At the dinner I even gave Greg and Nick a local MS tip. One of the gals at the table asked me why Greg hasn’t been on my podcast. I was sitting close to Greg and jokingly said, “well I’m trying to get him on my podcast, but it’s kind of a tough sell”. Greg heard that and said, “Get Nick to do it” without any elaboration. That was an interesting response. I felt like I had gone out of my way to make their stay and time with our points group positive. That response was very unimpressive and to be honest, pretty callous.

    On the flip side there are others in the points world that have been great. Stefan Krasowski from RapidTravelChai is a great guy, extremely bright, and has a wealth of knowledge in this space that few have. Randy Petersen, who is kind of the godfather of points and miles, was an absolute delight to meet and speak with. Such a humble guy who cares about people, inside and out of his blogging network BoardingArea. It was a big thrill to spend time with Randy. Drew and his wife Caroline from Travel Is Free are really sweet, genuine, and interesting people. Steven, one of the owners at Notiflyr, a great cheap flights website, is a top guy. Just as genuine as they come, and wicked smart as they say out East. John Klukas from TheFlyingMustache has been a friend too, and besides having great skills with redeeming points and miles for flights, has a solid photo background. Even guys that I don’t know well like Howie Rappaport from FrugalTravelGuy and Shawn Coomer from Miles to Memories, have stood out in my conversations with them at national points events. Both really bright guys that I respect a lot in this space.

    In the end, I’m fairly agnostic about if Brian Kelly is a good guy or not. Frankly I don’t really care if he is. I posted this piece and link to the article so that those who haven’t read it could make their own judgements. Enjoy –
     
  2. beist

    beist Hyperbolist
    Donor

    that might be the biggest asshole move i've ever heard of.
     
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  3. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    The site died the day he turned off the comments. He couldn’t take the heat from consistently lying to the reader base for the intent purpose of deepening his pockets and alignment with credit card companies. The early days actually worked to benefit the reader/flyer.
     
  4. Lyrtch

    Lyrtch My second favorite meat is hamburger
    Staff Donor

    He always seemed like a dick and it's why his attempts to be a YouTuber failed repeatedly even with a huge audience to draw from
     
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  5. kinghill

    kinghill Cool American Flavour
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    Apparently it's impossible to find a Marriott hotel in Orlando that qualifies for the 35k/night "free night award"

    At least for the weekend before Thanksgiving
     
  6. BellottiBold

    Donor
    Oregon Ducks

    A common gripe/frustration.
     
  7. C A N E

    C A N E Let justice be done though the heavens fall
    Donor
    Miami HurricanesMiami Heat

    It’s almost time to go after my first companion pass.
     
    bigjrock likes this.
  8. Where Eagles Dare

    Where Eagles Dare The Specialist Show On Earth
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    Auburn TigersAtlanta BravesWashington Football TeamAtlanta United

    Do you want a card that gets you one or about to book for the first time?
     
  9. Lyrtch

    Lyrtch My second favorite meat is hamburger
    Staff Donor

    just received my Reserve companion pass for the first time

    be interested in how easy that is to use
     
    tjsblue and beist like this.
  10. pianoman

    pianoman my drinks are free
    Donor TMB OG
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    I haven’t opened a card in almost 9 months. These Chase business cards offering 90,000 points seem the best play right now, right?
     
  11. The_Baumer

    The_Baumer Go Mordecai!
    Donor

    Absolutely. It’s a hard offer to beat - especially when the cards don’t have a fee. If you are applying and would like a referral, let me know.
     
  12. Where Eagles Dare

    Where Eagles Dare The Specialist Show On Earth
    Donor
    Auburn TigersAtlanta BravesWashington Football TeamAtlanta United

    Do you not get it in year 1?

    I've never had an issue with the coach companion passe, but not sure if being in Atlanta helps with fares
     
  13. Lyrtch

    Lyrtch My second favorite meat is hamburger
    Staff Donor

    No only after year one
     
  14. bigjrock

    bigjrock Pillsbury Geauxboy
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    LSU TigersNew Orleans PelicansNew Orleans Saints

    Got my first denial last week. Went for Chase Ink and stayed pretty modest with the biz estimates. Credit is solid, but I do have 1 card with a high balance waiting on insurance reimbursement from last year’s storm. Reconsideration line referenced that and the fact that I listed only 1 year as the biz age as the reasons and upheld the denial.

    Wonder how long I should wait before trying again? Insurance money “should” be coming in soon.
     
  15. Where Eagles Dare

    Where Eagles Dare The Specialist Show On Earth
    Donor
    Auburn TigersAtlanta BravesWashington Football TeamAtlanta United

    So you only get the sign up bonus year 1, then have to wait 12mo for a companion pass? 2 AFs before you get the companion pass? Ew
     
  16. beist

    beist Hyperbolist
    Donor

    please report back. I'm going to cancel my platinum because the companion passes have become nearly worthless
     
  17. C A N E

    C A N E Let justice be done though the heavens fall
    Donor
    Miami HurricanesMiami Heat

    Going to apply (well my wife is, she doesn’t know it yet) for chase southwest personal card and then the business right afterwards.
     
    Where Eagles Dare likes this.
  18. Where Eagles Dare

    Where Eagles Dare The Specialist Show On Earth
    Donor
    Auburn TigersAtlanta BravesWashington Football TeamAtlanta United

    What types of flights are you looking at that you can't find anything? I was able to get flights this past summer pretty easy.

    Just checked Atl->Portland and all normal flights are available :idk:
     
  19. beist

    beist Hyperbolist
    Donor

    I'm somewhat limited to peak travel times between my wife and kids schedules, so that's a big part of it I'm sure. But even when I'm able to fly non-peak times it's a coinflip that best that I can find any availability at all, and even then its usually at inconvenient times.
     
    Where Eagles Dare likes this.
  20. Lyrtch

    Lyrtch My second favorite meat is hamburger
    Staff Donor

    definitely got to book well in advance for companion tickets
     
  21. RJF-GUMP

    RJF-GUMP Daubert Qualified in Cooler Thermodynamics
    Donor TMB OG

    I have a business and we have an amex but I have 2 other partners and we use it for our business expenses only. Can I do Chase Ink and list my business as the business and use it for personal purchases or is that not kosher? What is the advantage to that card over my CSR?
     
  22. RJF-GUMP

    RJF-GUMP Daubert Qualified in Cooler Thermodynamics
    Donor TMB OG

    lol we have 1,500,000 points on our business amex.
     
    tjsblue, The_Baumer and Baron like this.
  23. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    Who gets to redeem those
     
  24. RJF-GUMP

    RJF-GUMP Daubert Qualified in Cooler Thermodynamics
    Donor TMB OG

    We have 3 partners. I just asked my partners do they want to divvy them up 500k a piece. Or buy something for the office with it. Or use all 1.5M and fly somewhere cool together.
     
    DuffandMuff likes this.
  25. racer

    racer Yuma, where I work in software.
    Donor
    Iowa HawkeyesKansas City ChiefsLas Vegas Golden KnightsWatfordOlympicsFormula 1

    Nm i read it wrong
     
  26. honestlee

    honestlee Well-Known Member

    I have a "business" and use the Chase Ink Cash and Ink Unlimited as a couple of my everyday cards with no issue.

    Here's my setup.
    CSP:
    • 5x - Lyft
    • 3x - restaurants, Disney Plus, Peacock
    • 2x - travel
    Ink Cash:
    • 5x - phone, internet, and cable bills
    • 2x - gas
    Ink Unlimited
    • 1.5x - everything else
    I also have a Discover IT card that I sprinkle in depending on what quarterly categories they have.
     
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  27. IowaHuskerFan3

    IowaHuskerFan3 I hardly husk.
    Donor
    Nebraska CornhuskersAtlanta Braves

    Give me some advice. I have 2 cards right now with Capital One. I am planning on going to Spain for a month in Jan/Feb. Was wanting to get a new CC and use it for my travels + when I return.
     
  28. bro

    bro Your Mother’s Favorite Shitposter
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  29. BellottiBold

    Donor
    Oregon Ducks

    I've never held a UA card but considering that from the east coast you can frequently jump the pond in Polaris for ~63k'ish, even the $95 (first year waived) option has some appeal.
     
  30. tjosu

    tjosu This is kind of like the breakfast club, huh?
    Donor
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    The two United Club passes that you get annually cover that fee too, plus group 2 boarding even if you don’t have status with United. Referral please? https://www.referyourchasecard.com/215n/WJQSZOXFKA
     
    BellottiBold likes this.
  31. Baseballman86

    Baseballman86 Well-Known Member
    Alabama Crimson TideAtlanta BravesAtlanta Falcons

    Any specific card within chase or AMEX ecosystem the best option for Ticketmaster?
     
  32. Nashville Knight

    Nashville Knight Well-Known Member
    Donor
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    The chase freedom flex has a rotating quarterly category of 5% cash back on live entertainment purchases.

    I don’t think I’ve ever seen or heard of a Chase presale offer like Amex. If you want presale go with an Amex.
     
    Baseballman86 likes this.
  33. DuffandMuff

    DuffandMuff Well-Known Member
    Tampa Bay LightningSan Diego Padres

    What cards do you have with capital one? What kind of annual fee are you willing to pay?
     
  34. Bankz

    Bankz Well-Known Member
    Donor TMB OG
    MilanFormula 1

    So I asked a few months ago about signing up for a business card. I currently use a BoA card that is deleting my points if I don't cash them in a 1 year time. The card sucks. I'm looking for a better card to get into if someone would be so kind to point me in the correct direction.

    I don't pay my vendors because they generally charge 3% when using a cc so I basically pay for liquor/wine purchases, repairs, YTTV/Cable with the card and the random equipment purchases.
     
  35. bigjrock

    bigjrock Pillsbury Geauxboy
    Donor
    LSU TigersNew Orleans PelicansNew Orleans Saints

    I think you mentioned this before, but how much would you put on the card in a 3 month span?

    Amex gold business gives 4x points on your top 2 categories, 1x point otherwise. Sign up bonus is 70k if you spend $10k in 3 months.

    Amex Blue Business Plus is 2x everywhere and no annual fee. 15k points after $3k spend.


    Apply for an American Express Card with this link. With your new Card, you could earn a welcome bonus and your friend could earn a referral bonus. Terms Apply. https://americanexpress.com/en-us/referral/JEREMjnZYB?XLINK=MYCP
     
    Bankz likes this.
  36. Whammy

    Whammy Donde es
    Donor
    Alabama Crimson TideVanderbilt CommodoresNew Orleans SaintsChicago BlackhawksAtlanta United

    Hey dudes - going to apply for a Business Amex Plat, not sure if you can refer business but if so put it down here
     
  37. bigjrock

    bigjrock Pillsbury Geauxboy
    Donor
    LSU TigersNew Orleans PelicansNew Orleans Saints

    Well since you asked..

    Apply for an American Express Card with this link. With your new Card, you could earn a welcome bonus and your friend could earn a referral bonus. Terms Apply. https://americanexpress.com/en-us/referral/JEREMjnZYB?XLINK=MYCP
     
  38. Whammy

    Whammy Donde es
    Donor
    Alabama Crimson TideVanderbilt CommodoresNew Orleans SaintsChicago BlackhawksAtlanta United

    Thank you friend, when I go to the link it’s the business blue card. Do you have a business plat?
     
  39. Bankz

    Bankz Well-Known Member
    Donor TMB OG
    MilanFormula 1

    around 10k in a 3 month span...
     
  40. Tommy Callahan

    Tommy Callahan Well-Known Member
    Donor TMB OG
    Alabama Crimson TideAtlanta Braves

    Not to derail the thread into barstool, but Portnoy having 44 million amex points is absurd
     
    Baron likes this.
  41. Where Eagles Dare

    Where Eagles Dare The Specialist Show On Earth
    Donor
    Auburn TigersAtlanta BravesWashington Football TeamAtlanta United

    Ha, saw this on tiktok yesterday and was going to mention.

    Like, do something with them. Fucking moron
     
  42. bigjrock

    bigjrock Pillsbury Geauxboy
    Donor
    LSU TigersNew Orleans PelicansNew Orleans Saints

    I do not. I THINK if you apply for another card after using the link the referral still applies, but if not no worries.
     
  43. bro

    bro Your Mother’s Favorite Shitposter
    Donor
    Tennessee VolunteersLos Angeles DodgersBuffalo BillsBuffalo Sabres

    FYI, I used this. You owe me in the future
     
    tjosu likes this.
  44. tjosu

    tjosu This is kind of like the breakfast club, huh?
    Donor
    Oklahoma State CowboysHouston AstrosHouston TexansTiger Woods

    Thanks a ton. I frequent the Denver thread enough to remember you’re somewhere around there, the United card is a no brainer with that as a home airport.
     
  45. bRamonceTaylor

    bRamonceTaylor Well-Known Member
    Donor

    Data points:

    I bought Delta gift cards for $500+ on Amazon (cuz of the Amex offer) the other day to get flight payment price under $250 on Christmas flights for fiancee to use her Amex Plat Delta incidental credit. Results:

    - Amex gave me the full 2,500 MR points for the gift cards with the Amex offers - tite.
    - Amex didn't reimburse her the $200 incidental credit.

    Good for me, bad for her, what's eventually mine is hers, etc. but just FYI.
     
  46. Tommy Jefferson

    Tommy Jefferson Well-Known Member
    Nebraska CornhuskersKansas JayhawksKansas City RoyalsKansas City Chiefs

    My fiancé and I are taking turns churning some cards and referring each other for bonuses. Most of the cards we’re churning have a no annual fee card we can downgrade to to avoid paying the the annual fee. The Chase Hyatt card is the exception, the cheapest card available is a $95 annual fee.

    I *think* I’d be able to keep the points but I’m not sure about the free night awards if I were to cancel this card. The impact on my credit score would also be impacted but I’m less concerned about that.

    Does anyone have advice on how to wriggle out of that annual fee or do they effectively trap you into maintaining their card?
     
  47. Lip

    Lip Well-Known Member
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    you’re stuck. It’s only $95. Keep it
     
  48. NoNatty

    NoNatty Keyboard Cowboy
    Donor
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    Is there any reason to keep chase business cards open more than 2+ years if I don’t use them?
     
  49. C A N E

    C A N E Let justice be done though the heavens fall
    Donor
    Miami HurricanesMiami Heat

    No reason to close them imo
     
  50. Spontaneous Cumbustion

    Spontaneous Cumbustion Well-Known Member
    Donor
    Ohio State BuckeyesCincinnati RedsCincinnati BengalsXavier MusketeersFC CincinnatiTottenham HotspurUnited States Men's National Soccer Team

    I'm getting my wife to downgrade her CSP to a Freedom so she can sign up for a new CSP. How long should I wait after receiving the Freedom before having her apply for a new CSP?