No lie, this was one of my favorite videos I've seen about credit cards so far. I feel like you could make this into a really awesome series and I'd absolutely tune into all of em! Awesome stuff Stan!!
Thanks so much Spencer! That means a lot, and yeah some of these strategies can get in the weeds a little bit, but I think just getting the framework out there is super important so people can start making their own strategies. I definitely think I'm going to move towards this strategy myself as well so I guess in that sense it'll more of a long-term series, hah!
I think that's the real fun of the credit card game. What you gave here is a perfect roadmap for people to follow in order to maximize the value they can get from Marriott cards and up until I watched this, I wasn't sure when if ever I'd get a Marriott card... now I want em now! 😆 As for the series I was thinking you could do one on each hotel chain if you were so inclined. That could be cool too!@@TheCreditFrog
@@TheCreditFrog Part-3 of your Marriott Series, the Player-2 strategy to get to 4 RC Cards in half the time and the referral bonuses to go with it. But seriously, is there a faster and better way to do this with a player-2 mode?
Been in the game for a few years. This is the best Marriott strategy video I've watched. The rules are so confusing, and this really lays out a roadmap in an easy to understand way. Bravo!
This was a wild video Stan!! So many rules to know that otherwise would definitely go under the radar. 24 months locked out of SUB if you turncoat, WOW. Was honestly a video that I didn’t know I needed because that’s exactly what I’ve been trying to do recently, which was just to accumulate more and more cards that have free night certificates, I think as soon as I am under 5/24, I will actually do this method for the budget traveler. Thanks for this video Stan!
Of course Tony! Yeah, Marriott has so many rules regarding SUBs and it's definitely not that simple because there are cards on both the Chase and Amex sides of things. If you're not careful, you may miss out on a SUB, which is terrible with Marriott since they don't give you that first FNA until after the first year! Yeah, once you get set up in the system though, these cards just start churning out FNAs. The one nice thing about this strategy as well is that you can get other cards/SUBs alongside this one since the waiting period is so long due to those ridiculous SUB rules!!
This is absolutely crazy! Honestly I never would’ve thought of these strategies, so I appreciate the information and clear explanations. The Marriott Loyalists in my life would definitely like this. Great video, Stan!!
Hey, thanks Josh! Yeah, I love these strategies, and it's really exciting to implement them personally as well. We gotta keep coming up with these strategies to get MAX value!!
FNCs are definitely one of the top benefits that you should strive for with Hotel Cards. I've been opening my eyes up to being a Hotel Card Free Agent (thinking about the Marriott BIZ for the 3 FNC welcome bonus going on right now). Love the strategies here & how you tailored them toward those preferring budget-friendly options and those striving for those high-end properties. The ability to add an additional 15k Bonvoy Points is honestly a super nice benefit to maximize the value from the FNC's (since they have a cap unlike Hilton 😉). Definitely good information to know about the restrictions with Chase vs AMEX issued Marriott Cards as well. (24 months is pretty crazy!) Great video as always Stan!
For sure Matt! Yeah, I think weighing your options with different options is a good move, kind of what Uncle Luke does. One of the issues though (kind of like spreading your spend around multiple point systems) is that it's harder to get the best status with one hotel ecosystem if you spread out all your stays, unless you stay at hotels regularly. I know for myself, I think I'll just barely make it to Titanium Elite status this year so I'm trying to funnel most of my stays through Marriott to get there. Marriott FNAs are for sure not as powerful as Hilton so I agree, that 15k boost is a pretty nice option. Appreciate you bro! Get that Marriot Bizzz
Thanks Eric! Glad you found it to be easy to follow! Sometimes these strategies get in the weeds so I really try hard to make the explanations as simple as possible.
This is a fantastic video, thank you for the succinct rundown. Wish there were more opportunities for Hyatt cards, seems Marriott is clearly the best cards to accumulate. Would love to see a video breaking down the best way to use the 4 free nights once you have the setup.
Thanks so much! Yeah, Hyatt may be getting a pathway soon if they decide to have a luxury card. Having Marriott with both Chase and Amex is a blessing and a curse since the SUB rules don't play well, but there are more opportunities for FNAs!
Thank you so much! And yes, that's awesome! One of the best welcome offers out there on the Boundless. Great time to start it up like you said and take advantage of those 5 free nights!
Great video! I have another 16 months before I can add a new boundless to replace the one i upgraded to the ritz card. Already have brilliant and business. Very well worthwhile to hold these 😊
Hey, thanks man! Yeah, I'm in a similar situation as well since I got the Bonvoy Business card about 5 months ago so I have 19 months until I can finish that luxury strategy with the Chase Boundless. I also have both Brilliant and Business and they've made Titanium elite status within reach with the combined elite night credits so I plan on keeping them as long as I'm a frequent traveler for sure! You'll finish this strategy before I will - awesome 👍!!
Sick video, I’ll definitely be doing this for the luxury side, luckily for me I just completed my SUB on my Bonvoy Boundless for the 3 night certificates on year 1!
Hey Stan that was one of the best videos for explaining Amex and Chase cards. I have the Chase Boundless card going to upgrade to The Ritz card but didn’t quite know how to apply for the Billiant card now from your video I have a good ideal. Thanks for sharing and keep that Great content coming
Thank you so much Clausell! Yes, definitely secure that Brilliant SUB before making the product change to the Ritz! There's always going to be limited time bonuses on the Brilliant so just wait for the right one, pull the trigger, and then you'll be good to get two 85k FNAs from Marriott 👍!
Love these strategy videos! Just in time too since I’m been considering upgrading my Boundless to the Ritz. I didn’t know about the limitations between Chase and Amex so thanks for pointing that stuff out!
Of course Mason! Glad you found this strategy interesting! Yeah, the last thing I'd want is to have you PC into that Ritz and get locked out of the Brilliant SUB. But that's also what I love about these strategy videos, it gives you a framework to follow - which is super important with Marriott cards because of all of their stupid, confusing rules!!
Dang I thought I considered myself a Marriott a loyalist, but I never knew the strategy! this is great info stan! My thought process/ up coming strategy at the time was to upgrade my boundless into the ritz this upcoming February. Then downgrade my CSP into a CFU . And only use ritz for traveling/ needing insurance on stuff since it has the same insurances that the CSR has. And put most of my spending into the CFU and CFF - along with the curve / Bilt combo This 2024 I don’t plan on traveling that much but the ritz sounds great with the effective annual fee of 150 and the free night credit of 85k
Nice Fanta! I think that is still a solid strategy. The only thing I would mention is that once you get the Ritz card, you lock yourself out from the Brilliant card SUB, which is usually very, very good. Of course, that $650 annual fee on the Brilliant is not for everyone so you have to feel out what's best for you, but if that's not your jam, the Ritz card is probably the best Marriott card in the lineup, rivaled only by the Boundless card that you already have.
I have the Marriott Business and I just got my free night award a couple of week ago! For only $95, I'm gonna get that much more value from the FNC! Now I know other ways to get even more FNCs! Great video Stan!
Thanks Manny! Congrats on the new FNA! Yeah, you could either continue with Brilliant, or wait it out for the Boundless depending on your strategy or what type of stays you value most! Appreciate it man!
Thanks for splitting budget vs luxury stays. It’s tough to analyze when people always talk about point values in the context of high-end hotel stays or business class airline flights.
Of course! There’s something for everyone in this Marriott strategy! Not everyone stays at luxury hotels so having the budget stay option was important!
Great video! I’ve been wanting the brilliant for awhile now because of the benefits and gold status but also wanted a Marriott daily spender card like the boundless. It’s great I can rack up point with the boundless on groceries and especially use at Costco since it’s visa. Thank you!
Of course, Aaron! Yeah, there are a lot of Marriott cards to choose from so it's nice to have options! While the Brilliant is best used for that Platinum status, I completely agree that the Boundless is much better as an everyday use card and has a lot of value for that $95 annual fee, including that 35k free night award!
I have been waiting for this! The question is, how can a player 2 situation expedite this process? Additionally, if you already have had a boundless card, or one of the cards for over two years, how would this affect the strategy?
Of course Solomon! Ok, so since the SUB rules are specific to the individual, there really is no way to "expedite" the process, but instead, you could double the process by applying for the cards at the same time. Of course, you want to do the classic P1 refers P2 for the same card for those referral bonuses as well for added value, but that's the only change I think. In regards to having the Boundless card already, I would apply for the Brilliant card first (probably best to wait until you get the SUB first and have it post to your account) and then right after that, product change that Boundless into the Ritz Carlton card. You'll be able to apply for the Boundless card again 24 months after your last Amex card SUB so whether you stick with the Brilliant or also apply for the Business is totally up to you! Having the Boundless already will fast-track this strategy by 2 years so you're in a great spot!
This is a fantastic video, thank you for the succinct rundown. Wish there were more opportunities for Hyatt cards, seems Marriott is clearly the best cards to accumulate. Would love to see a video breaking down the best way to use the 4 free nights once you have the setup.
Thanks so much! Yeah, Hyatt may be getting a pathway soon if they decide to have a luxury card. Having Marriott with both Chase and Amex is a blessing and a curse since the SUB rules don't play well, but there are more opportunities for FNAs!
I have had the Mariott Bonvoy Premier card for 12 years. Since this card is not available anymore can I get the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card and flip that to the Ritz card and get 5 free nights awards with this strategy??
Unfortunately, based on the terms and conditions you can't apply for the Boundless if you already have a Bonvoy Premier card. You would have to cancel the Premier card first. Alternatively, you could see if they could PC the Premier card to the Ritz Carlton card, but not sure if that's possible.
What?! They restrict sign up bonuses like that?! I don’t like needing to wait a full year before getting that 35k FNA. One more shocker, why would they restrict you from an SUB on the Brilliant if you have the Ritz? This is too much red tape! Lots of dancing around just to maximize their system. Great video Stan. This proves why you are the valedictorian of class of 2023!
I know CJ! These SUB rules Chase vs. Amex are super frustrating to deal with, but I went through them all so all you have to do is follow the steps in this video 🤣. Banks like to use this red tape to discourage the value we can get, but I think when we work together to figure things out, we can all benefit! Appreciate the support bro!!
What is that I smell??? Evergreen Content!!! Great Job Stan this will be a very useful reference for people who want to have a solid plan for maximizing return on their Marriott cards.
Haha, hey thanks Chad! Yeah, I hope that this will be a helpful framework for people wanting any type of Marriott card and want to maximize the value for their own situation!
Thanks JP! Yeah, Marriott is kind of a hit or miss, but everyone loves FNAs, and TBH, the Chase Bonvoy Boundless card is a great deal, especially when there's a limited-time SUB available, so even if you want to get the card and stop there, you can make a choice about going further with these strategies or not. Or downgrade to the Bonvoy Bold - so many nice options when you start with Boundless!
Stan, I am still gardening for the next 17 months. I believe the first card I will apply for is the Chase Boundless card wait for the annual free night award and then product change to the Chase Ritz Carlton. If I do so, will the FNA still remain on my Marriott Bonvoy account? I can then reapply for another Chase Boundless.
@@TheCreditFrog I don't think I will get the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card. I will have the Gold, Business and Green from American Express. I don't want to suffer from all the credits until I am flying at least 5 times a year to use the lounges. I believe with the Chase Ritz Carlton card I can get into Chase Sapphire Lounges.
add the personal and business marriott card from Canadian American Express for around $270 CAD, which is about $200 USD for another 2 35k FNA certificates, and the SUB doesn't conflict with US Amex cards :P or chase for that matter
Hah! I never thought about what the possiblities were if we added Canadian cards as well! Interesting though experiment - actually, it sounds pretty good!
Great presentation. Fyi, marriott breakfast buffets are $50, the credit is monthly. Unless you're staying monthly, $300 credit is a wash. Paying $250/n with AFs. Like vegas, they don't lose.
Thanks! Yeah, the Brilliant card now has a monthly $25 dining credit, but fortunately, this can be used anywhere, not just at Marriott properties, but yes, I agree. The Bonvoy program is known to not have the best perks, at least compared to the Hilton Honors program and WOH, but since I stay at Marriott properties, I tend to overlook this, but I dunno, maybe I shouldn't 🤣
Thanks for the amazing video. You have no idea how hard is to find videos on these complicated Bonvoy cards rules in RU-vid.. I think Im still bit confused. LOL It was so good to know to make sure I get Brilliant first before upgrading Boundless to Ritz. You probably saved bunch points for me!
Of course, Kevin! Glad you enjoyed the video! Yeah, the Marriott strategy is particularly complicated because of Chase and American Express. Glad I could save you a few points on your Marriott credit card journey!
@@TheCreditFrog Hey Stan, Im literally studying this video again for my bonvoy setup. Love this video to go back to. Question. Is there any downside to get Brilliant first before I do the whole Chase Boundless to Ritz set up? I currently have Bonvoy Business (applied 24 month ago) and looking to get Brilliant (mainly for Platinum status), and wait on Boundless to Ritz bit later.
@@kevinManhattan Hey Kevin! Awesome, haha! So the only downside is you'll have to wait 24 months to get the Boundless credit card SUB. It really comes down to what you want more, the Brilliant and the Platinum status, or the Chase Ritz Carlton card with it's benefits and 85k FNA. There's no right or wrong answer, just what you prefer. If you go Brilliant, you'll have to wait about 24 months for Boundless, then to PC to the Ritz. If you go Boundless first, then you can PC to the Ritz in 12 months, and then wait another 12 months to qualify for the SUB on the Brilliant. The Brilliant SUB is pretty solid right now, so if I were in your position, I would personally go for the Brilliant because two 85k FNAs is a pretty sweet deal!
Great strategy, and tempting to try. However, I get nervous that after a couple years of setting all this up the rules and terms may change and mess up the whole strategy.
Such is life Joe! The credit card world moves fast, but as it stands now, this strategy is still valid and can set you up for multiple free nights that generate every year!
Thanks! Sounds like you have some fun trips coming up, and with that international travel, the Platinum status is sure to come in handy! Hope you get some great upgrades!
Nice Breakdown & strategy. I have the Amex Marriott cards, so definitely need to look into the Chase Marriott cards and hope the Ritz is still an option in 1-2yrs when 5/24 allows. 🤯🤯
Thanks! Yeah, if you've covered the Amex side, then the Chase Boundless would probably be the next best move. There've been data points that co-branded credit cards may not have the same Chase 5/24 limitations, but of course, this is a YMMV scenario. If you can withstand the hard pull, then it may be worthwhile to apply, but yeah probably best to wait until your under 5/24 to maximize your chances of approval!
Stan, Stan, Stan the man - this was such a 🔥 video and supremely, valuable and love the way you have such a duava way of explaining this type of info which can be very detail heavy for sure 😁😁
Hey Lalit! Thanks so much man! Yeah, I really enjoy going into the advanced-level strategies, but it's often difficult to get the point across without getting too much into the weeds. It's definitely a balance for sure, and I tried to highlight all the must-know points, so I'm really pleased to hear that from you! Hopefully, I can add some value to your advanced strategies and experience as well since I know you have like 50+ cards or something like that!!
Great video! This has been by far the best Marriott Strategy video. Question: To be clear, when I apply for the Brilliant and the Business in year 2, I would get the sib for both? Off to watch another of your videos! Keep it up!
Thanks Beatriz! Glad you found value from this video. So yes, in year 2 (24 months after you got the Bonvoy Boundless welcome offer), you can get the Brilliant and Business cards and get the welcome offer for both!
THANK YOU Stanley for such a detailed Marriott video. I can’t tell you how confused I’ve been with the SUB rules etc. you broke it down perfectly 👌🏻 question: do you know of one can have multiple of the Brilliant ($650)? I currently have 1 but was thinking of downgrading it to the discontinued $95 Amex version and then applying for another Brilliant ($650 without a SUB) 🤔
Of course, Yamah!! I'm not entirely sure if you can have multiple Brilliant cards. My first inclination is to say yes because you can have multiple Aspires with no issues. I think you certainly can get the $95 Amex version and hold that card and the Brilliant together. You can then upgrade that card after 1 year to the Brilliant - theoretically that should work. If any questions though, I think Amex CS could be help, but sometimes they don't know either hah!
This is all super intriguing. I’m just worried the MGM deal will include drastic changes on the Chase side of the equation, though I don’t know how long Marriott’s deal with Chase is….
Yeah, I think that overall, it's going to be a positive move for Marriott fans, especially if they have some type of integration with their point systems (I think this is already confirmed) as well as elite status (not confirmed AFAIK). Interestingly, Marriott originally started with Chase, but then Starwood was with Amex so when they merged, that's why it's so jumbled now. The Ritz card has been discontinued to new applicants for like 5 years now so I'm just curious what will happen with this card in the future, if anything.
@@TheCreditFrog oh I remember SPG being AmEx (my mom holds the $95 Marriott card because). I just worry that MGM also taking on a partnership will lead them to push for more AmEx integration than Chase. But I could be wrong. And with the venture starting in October, I’m worried it may lead to the Ritz Card being completely discontinued. I’m just wildly speculating though.
Thanks Valente! It’s all good man, just enjoy that Ritz Card and you’ll just have to wait until your 24 month timer winds down to start back up with those Amex Marriott cards!
Thanks! Yeah, Marriott is not for everybody and the Hyatt rewards program is top notch, with Hilton Aspire being the best luxury hotel credit card. The nice thing is that there are a lot of options so you can pick the right option for you!
The Boundless is the better card with the better welcome offer typically. You can get the Bold if you want, but the welcome offer usually isn't that good.
Just listened to your first live stream from a couple weeks ago. No dramatic pauses. It would seem you do this for effect when you can edit. Must it continue? The flow of the live stream is so fluid and not distracting. Oh, and I just subscribed.
@chriseverydailyshow4164 Thanks for your feedback! I’m working on it. If you listen to my podcast videos, it’s also pretty fluid too. It’s the scripting vs no scripting dilemma. Trying to move towards less scripting and more fluid talking like you said! Appreciate the support!
New strategy; since I started off on the wrong path. Got the boundless last year. Going to product change (hopefully) to the ritz this year (try it out and get the 85k night). Will product change back to the boundless next year. Will wait 30 days or more after product change to apply for the brilliant. Will then apply for the business in that same year. Will be ritzless for 1 year. Then will product change back to the ritz; having aquired all the subs. 🎉 I hope 😂
Interesting variant! Definitely could work. The only issue I see is that you'll have to delay that first 85k FNA on the Ritz Carlton card until 1 year after you make the final product change. You should be able to get all the welcome offers with this method though!
@@TheCreditFrog do you think I could chance product changing it back right after completing the subs on both amex cards? I just figure play it safe and be out of the woods still getting a 35k from the boundless atleast in that crossover year. Edit: maybe I misunderstood you. Why would I have to delay the first 85k free night on the Ritz?
@@TheCreditFrogas per TPG's marriot application chart for sign up bonuses.. It appears you can get the sign up bonus on both the brilliant and the bevy without any restrictions? No 24 month wait, etc? Am I wrong in reading their chart; or are they wrong per marriot/Amex rules?
@BruceLeeCredit It depends on what your next card is. The 24-month rule applies to cross-platform cards. So if you wanted a Bevy and then a Brilliant, that would be fine. But if you wanted a Brilliant then a Chase Boundless, the 24-month rule would be in effect. The same is true for Boundless to Brilliant.
Thanks! Yeah, the Brilliant card is great for a few reasons: 1. the 85k FNA, 2. The auto Platinum status, and 3. The 25 elite night credits you can combine with the Business card (+15) to make +40 elite nights from just credit cards alone. I think that if you were a Marriott loyalist and stay a Marriotts a lot, then the Brilliant card is a great credit card for that purpose. But, if you're only staying at Marriotts once or twice a year, Chase Boundless (budget stays) or Ritz Carlton (luxury stays) offer the better value IMO.
Amazing video thanks so much for this! With the upgraded Boundless offer to 5 free nights, excited to start this strategy. Quick question: is the 24 month rule after you get approved or after you receive your SUB?
The Boundless welcome offer is great! Definitely grab it while it's hot! The 24 month rule applies to after you receive the welcome offer so you'll have to keep that date written down once you complete it!
Hi Amy! Yes, you certainly could do that to avoid going over Chase 5/24. Just remember that if you start with Amex (and want to get the welcome offers), you have to wait at least 24 months after you get the welcome offer on your last Amex Bonvoy credit card until you qualify for any Chase Bonvoy welcome offers! You could go Chase first or Amex first, up to you 👍!
Sure thing Micah! Always learning something new every day 👍. There's a direct link in the description to the Amex Bonvoy card if you want to know more about it's specific benefits. Tldr, it's the Boundless card but on the Amex side.
@@TheCreditFrog I have the $95 Amex business and Amex personal. Any strategies for getting the $650 Amex brilliant and ritz card?I’m also currently at the 5 Amex credit card limit. No chase Marriott cards.
That's what I'm here for, Sendo! That Chase - Amex dance with Marriott Bonvoy cards is real, but it's something we can all understand when we look at those terms and conditions closely!
It is! Also, the dining credit helps but it’s super annoying since it’s a monthly credit! I’d only get this card if you think you would get value from Platinum status and stay at Marriotts often!
Literally doing this strategy except my wife and I just got the opposite bank cards and did this in our 2nd year 😂, and we are going to double this strategy in the coming years. Also was looking at the Hilton strategy, what are your thoughts? Get 6 aspires, and you have 8 to 10 nights split each half year with a 3300 annual but with the hotel credits it’s only a 900 effective annual
That's awesome! It's pretty cool you can run this back-to-back with your Player 2, haha! As far as Hilton Aspires go, if you can use the statement credits at Hilton resorts, then it can be very lucrative. The annual fees certainly add up quickly though, so it's up to you to make sure you keep track of the statement credits and make sure to use them!
You can book on one card, but the FNAs will be individual so if you have 4 FNAs, you reserve one night per FNA and then it’s combined into 1 reservation. Also, you shouldn’t do this because 2 FNAs are 85k and 2 are 35k so you would be severely undervaluing the 85k FNAs
This video was focused on the FNA portion of these cards. Also Marriott cards SUBs fluctuate wildly, but as long as you get a limited-time SUB offer on either the Chase or Amex side, you will always come out net positive in year 1.
awesome stan. just stumbled across this videos of yours despite watching most of your videos. I think I made a mistake of applying for the Amex Marriott Biz card as my first card in the Marriott family, what are the next cards you would recommend to complete the combo
Hi Joe! Yeah, it's ok if you went Marriott Biz first. If you want to keep getting welcome offers on the Marriott family. I would apply for the Marriott Brilliant card when an elevated offer comes along. After you get the welcome offer on that card, you have to wait 2 years before you can get any welcome offer on a Chase Marriott card. Alternatively, you could wait 2 years from when you got the welcome offer on the Marriott Business card and apply for the Chase card at that point, but you'll be locked out of a Bonvoy Brilliant welcome offer for 2 years after that.
Ok, yeah this seems to be the only viable option. I think I will go with Marriott Brilliant first before going for the chase cards since I actually value the 25+15 elite night awards. Thanks! and keep up the good work! @@TheCreditFrog
Are you going to do a Hilton equivilent video as well and would it inckude the various upgrade offers on the cards so that folks can end up with 3 Hilton Aspire cards?
Yes! I plan on doing a video covering the Hilton ladder at some point. Probably around the time I start on my own Hilton ladder because that's the last frontier with Amex for me!
Great video. I was already looking at the Boundless for the free night each year, but now will definitely work toward some version of this multi plan, Question about the Free Night Credit though is do they expire? If my wife and I want to work toward a large multi-night stay 2-3 years from now for a special anniversary, can I store 85k awards till we need them? Thanks for all your hard work!
Thanks! Yeah, so the FNAs expire approximately 12 months after they are issued, which is why having multiple of these cards can help get you at least 2 nights to use simultaneously for a trip!
Hey Stan! Firstly I love the channel, this video and the Hilton video are truly in depth credit card content and guides that most or not any other channel I have encountered present and I and many others are truly interested in. I wanted to also ask, Since we can upgrade the Boundless card to the Ritz-Carlton card after year zero, and we are eligible for the Brilliant sign up bonus if we have not had the Ritz-Carlton in the last 30 days wouldn't it make sense to upgrade the Boundless in year 1 and then simply wait for year 2 to get the Brilliant so we can get our first 85k night sooner? I thought of this as I want to follow this strategy but only keeping the 2 premium cards for the 85k point nights. Thanks!
Hey Waldo! Appreciate the kind words, my friend! Those strategy videos are some of my favorites for sure, and I think they've been very helpful for a lot of people! So the issue with the Brilliant card is that if you want to get the welcome offer on that card, you have to get it before you product change to the Ritz card. You also can't get the welcome offer for 2 years after getting the Boundless. So really, you're forced to get the Boundless first, and then wait 24 months, then get the Brilliant, and once that welcome offer is secured, you can then PC into the Ritz card no problem. It's kind of annoying, but right now that's the way to maximize your welcome offer points. If the welcome offer isn't an issue, then you could get Boundless, then after 1 year, PC to RC and get the Brilliant.
Hey Stan, thank you for the vid and breakdown. Weird that Marriott still keeps their credit cards with two issuers in the U.S. and just doesn't consolidate. Any chance you can do one about Hilton cards and how to maximize those?
You can get a SUB on the Marriott cards if you have the Platinum or Gold cards. Those cards are independent. You just have to be mindful of the general Amex rules like 1/5, 2/90, and 4-6 max cards
@@TheCreditFrogNo,not anymore. I have been a platinum card holder for a few years and I applied for the Bonvoy platinum equivalent this past summer with a 100,000 bonus offer. Amex said I was approved but could not get the SUB. I went Reddit Amex site and found out this had changed earlier this year. They no longer make exceptions like you said. It is also true for all the brokerage account cards i.e. Schwab.
Not much really. You could run them in parallel, or if you wanted to have P1 start with Chase and P2 start with Amex, definitely another option as well!
Hey man! Loved the vid! New sub. Loving the videos! I had a quick question. I’m approaching the 2 year mark on my brilliant. Do you think it’s a good idea to jump over to the chase side and grab the boundless so I can make my way to the Ritz Carlton Card? I think that’s a bit different than your set up but I hope it can still work. Thanks!
Thanks man! Really appreciate the support! So since you have the Brilliant card for about 2 years, yes, I think the best move would be to grab the Chase Bonvoy Boundless card after the 24 month mark. When you get this card (hopefully with a great SUB), this starts your 1-year clock for the Ritz Carlton card. Of course, this will lock you out of the Bonvoy Business card SUB for 2 more years (once you apply and get approved for the Bonvoy Business) so you have to weigh your options to see which card is a better fit. If you are gunning for 2 85k FNAs, then go with the Boundless next, but if you find some value from the Amex Bonvoy Business, definitely keep that card in mind as well!
@@TheCreditFrog Oh gotcha! So if i go for the boundless I will be locked out of the Amex Bonvoy business until I am able to upgrade to the Ritz card, right? Also, will having all of these cards essentially earn me titanium? Does the status stack that way on my Marriot account or not really? Thanks for the response!
@@OneMinuteConcerts So when you get the Boundless, you'll be locked out of any Amex cards for 24 months! You can change the Boundless to the Ritz in 12 months, but I would wait until AFTER getting the Brilliant because you can't get the Brilliant SUB while you have the Ritz card. Although none of these cards get you Titanium, having the Bonvoy Brilliant and Business gets you 40 Elite night credits and so you only need 35 more to get Titanium (or 30 if you choose to get 5 free elite nights after you hit 50 stays and select elite nights as your choice award)!
Marriott further devalued their points earlier this August 2023 by increasing the points ceiling that properties can charge you. A property that used to capped at 60k points per night can now charge up to 77k Therefore long term, those FNA wont worth that much at all considering the devaluation trends from Marriott. Many 45-50k properties now charges 59k rendering the 35k FNA less useful
Yeah, it definitely sucks that there were devaluations. Tbh, devaluations will happen no matter what, but recall that the Ritz Carlton and Brilliant cards used to have 50k FNAs! Not saying it worked in our favor or anything, but it’s just part of the game we play.
I sincerely have a challenge for all the "CC enthusiasts". There are dozens and dozens of videos on traveling,, aka buying hotel and airfare for the US travel, the Amex Gold's benefits when abroad, etc. Almost all videos show traveling only in the US with all the multipliers and upgrades for daily spending nd US traveling, but hardly anything beyond the airfare and pre-paid hotel if going abroad. Especially if you are not going t some tourist trap resort. I would love to see a video with trifectas/multipliers or whatever for the guy that travels abroad mostly and wants to get the most of multipliers and points from things outside the hotel and airfare purchase/upgrade. Car rentals, gas, restaurants, grocery stores, etc all with multipliers and no foreign transaction fee but for the US based traveler. Is there such a thing? Of course there is, but you now have a challenge. SHOW ME THE MONEY............
I think that's a great idea! A lot of the travel/wanderlust RU-vidrs out there tend to have content more towards solo travel and more everyday type of purchases on more of the ex-pat lifestyle. I would love to make a video about that, but unfortunately my personal experience is limited at this point, and I prefer to give information based on experience. Having said that, I think that some general rules include no foreign transaction fee cards that are VISA/MC only, and you know have worldwide multipliers. I think out of all the cards the WF Autograph and Citi Premier are single cards that are a good starting point!
Congrats on the new card! Yeah sorry you weren’t able to get the 5-night bonus, but if you recently got the card, maybe you could call CS to see if the offer could be switched!
I have been trying to do this after watching your awesome videos, a quick qustion: the 24months rule applied on the time when you received bonus points into Marriott account OR the time you were approved for the card?
Thanks Stan! in that case, if I got the 125K welcome bonus on 1/26/2023 from Chase, can I apply Amex brilliant in October before the offer expired, and wait until Jan. 2025 to complete spending requirements...Is it too risky?
Can we go further and downgrade to the Bonvoy then get brilliant again and have 3 35k rewards and 2 85k rewards? 🤯Or do the terms stop us from doing that?
Super informative video, thanks! When getting the Brilliant card, should I wait for 24 months after my approval for the Boundless card, or 24 months after receiving the SUB for the Boundless? Also, one small correction: from what I've read online, it seems like the Ritz Carlton card only gives Priority Pass membership to every authorized user, not the TSA Precheck/Global Entry credit.
Thanks Khoa! Yeah, so with the Brilliant card, I would get it 24 months after you received the SUB to be on the safe side. That’s my interpretation of the terms. And yea, you’re right that the AU only gets a Priority Pass membership!
So close to pulling the trigger on the Amex Bonvoy Business card so glad I saw this first. Question, I'm 4/24 so I was gonna just go for business cards until my new two cards drop off the 5/24 rule next April or a solid SUB offer on a private card come up before then. I'm thinking of picking up a ink business card and then burn my last 5/24 slot with the Chase Bonvoy card before closing myself off to Chase until April. Thoughts?
I think that's a solid strategy. If you haven't gotten any Amex Marriott SUBs in the past 24 months, getting the Boundless as soon as you can would be the move, but since you want an Ink card first, better get that one first so you can keep your 4/24 status. That's how I would play it. The sooner you get the Boundless, the sooner the opportunity there is to get the Ritz card, but again remember that you sacrificice the Brilliant SUB if you have the RC card so just keep that in mind.
thanks for explanation, i have amex business marriot so now i have to wait 2 years, which direction is ideal > chase > 1 yr to ritz , or get amex brillant now > then downgrade > yr 2 go to chase
If you want to get the Brilliant SUB, I would go Brilliant first because once you get the Ritz card, you won’t be able to get that Brilliant card SUB until you cancel/PC the Ritz. I personally would go for Brilliant as soon as you’re able!
@zifnabdr Those properties are great for that 85k FNA! I recently booked a Swam Reserve for about 80k points so it’s definitely worth the Brilliant/RC AF (provided that you value the credits too)
@@TheCreditFrog Thank you. What i thought! Think im going to apply for the Brilliant, just looking to see if theres any better sign up deals coming soon hah! Getting Certificates in the summer sometimes is challenging as they dont post for weeks after the AF, and summer is when the family would use it the most!
Good job on the vid! This alone deserves a sub. I was wondering recently how to approach this situation myself since I had actually made the mistake of getting a second Bonvoy Boundless and upgrading my first one to the Ritz. My second Boundless has recently hit the one year anniversary, so I might do damage control by at least upgrading that one to a second Ritz. Then by the middle of next year, I could downgrade both back to Boundless cards and then get the Brilliant and the biz card on AmEx side. Maybe I’d then go back double Ritz. Can you confirm if this is legal?
Thanks Earl! I think in your situation, it's difficult because, remember, when you upgrade/downgrade these cards, you may lose out on the FNA for the (new) card that year since you have to wait until the first cardmember anniversary to get it. What I would do in your situation is use the 85k FNA for the Ritz whenever you get it, and then you can safely downgrade that card back to the Boundless card (not sure if you can have two Boundless cards, but there's only a restriction on SUBs, not # of cards from what I can see from the terms). If that's the case, you can then go for the Brilliant card and once you nail that SUB, you can PC back the Ritz cards as soon as you can to maximize those 85k FNAs. You can get the Bonvoy Business card whenever, as long as your last Chase SUB was 24 months ago.
Great video of Stan. At the 6:41 mark you state that authorized users on the Ritz-Carlton card get their own TSA PreCheck / Global Entry. Is that correct? I have not seen that clearly outlined in the terms and conditions.
