Higher annual fees. More perks. New lounges. It never stops.
The big banks are going bigger than ever on their “premium” travel credit cards. So, Gunnar (fresh off paternity leave!) and Kyle bring Thrifty Traveler’s co-founder and credit card expert, Nick Serati, on the show to help break down all the recent moves from Chase, Amex, and Capital One. And they ask the $900-plus question: With annual fees approaching $1,000 a year, are we hitting a breaking point?
0:00 - Introducing Nick … & our new studio!
1:13 - Catching Gunnar up on all the big travel news he (& you) missed
05:48 - Something Hot: Chase’s huge bonus on the new Sapphire Reserve
10:37 - Something cold: Chase’s messy eligibility rule changes
15:23 - A word from our sponsor (us … and our really cool CardPilot tool that’ll help you pick your next travel card!)
17:00 - The Extra Mile: Diving into the “premium” travel credit cards arm race
19:17 - What’s next for the Amex Platinum Card?
20:13 - Capital One throws down the gauntlet with the best lounge yet
21:49 - A fourth big premium card on the horizon? All eyes on Delta
23:20 - Why “premium” travel is all the rage right now
26:20 - Doing the math on premium cards & big annual fees
29:48 - Why banks are all turning their top cards into glorified coupon books
33:40 - The real value of these top-dollar travel cards
39:50 - Listener Question: The best 4-5 credit cards to get started
44:06 - On the Spot: What do Nick & Gunnar love about being dads?
Produced by Gunnar Olson & Jackson Newman
Edited by David Strutt
Show music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot
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Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at podcast@thriftytraveler.com
Get 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!
See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!
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