All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins Earn More Points with New Cards, Bonuses, and Challenges in 2025
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Aug 13, 2025 Discover the latest in the credit card world with insights on new offerings and welcome bonuses. Learn how to maximize rewards and navigate travel credits effectively. Exciting airline and hotel promotions are discussed, revealing ways to rack up thousands of points. The hosts also share personal reflections and milestones, making the conversation both informative and heartfelt. Tune in for unique strategies to elevate your travel game in 2025!
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Citi Strata Elite Is Bonus-First
- Citi launched the Strata Elite with a $595 fee and niche multipliers that favor booking via Citi Travel and late-night weekend dining.
- Chris thinks the card is worth mainly for the welcome bonus and Citi adding American as a transfer partner increases its utility.
Target 100k Link Or Plan To Downgrade
- If you apply for the Strata Elite, try to secure a 100k targeted link via a branch or banker to maximize the welcome bonus.
- Consider downgrading to a lower Strata product later if you only want the points and not the long-term $595 fee.
Smartly's 4% Perks Were Narrowed
- U.S. Bank Smartly card's original 4% rules were downgraded and then the bank removed grandfathering, applying caps and exclusions starting September.
- Chris warns the changes make the card far less valuable unless you can meet the new deposit and spend constraints.