I just got the USBAR, so moving most of my spend onto that card, but before, my main setup was the Amex Gold + VX/BBP.
Points can be suboptimal to collect due to availability restrictions.
A lot of people here on Reddit and influencers on platforms like YouTube make points seem a lot better than they actually are in my opinion.
I suspect this is because of the conflict of interest since people earn so many points from referrals. Beware about that. (This is why I typically suggest cash back instead)
If you want to keep the Amex Gold (which is a nice-looking card!), I’d suggest only collecting Amex points.
This would improve the chances those Amex points will add up to enough that you can actually spend for the flights on your next trip. Especially if your airport doesn’t have a nonstop KLM or Delta flight to Amsterdam. Even if it does, summer, other holidays, traditional school break times, and popular days of the week may be unlikely to offer space on points. If it’s Delta, you can always book on points if the flight isn’t sold out, but the number of points needed will be higher/lower depending on demand.
@OliviaGarcia
It really depends on where you are flying. For example, if I need to fly from LAX to Turkey, then an award flight is like 50,000-60,000 points. A return flight will be $1,600 at least.
Bevan said:
@OliviaGarcia
It really depends on where you are flying. For example, if I need to fly from LAX to Turkey, then an award flight is like 50,000-60,000 points. A return flight will be $1,600 at least.
Their family is in the Netherlands and not Turkey.
@OliviaGarcia
Valid point.
@OliviaGarcia
And you’re still going to find cheaper airfare with points to the Netherlands.
@OliviaGarcia
You have an out on liquidity problems with points via the CS Amex Platinum. Turns the Gold into a 4.4% cashback card on groceries and dining and a 5.5% cashback card on flights (if you can justify the AF using the coupon book).
@OliviaGarcia
Hotel points are generally lower value than using points for flights from what I’ve seen. I’d steer clear of those from a credit card outside of signup bonuses for that reason.