American Express Strategies for 2025 with Stefan Krasowski

23 snips

Nov 18, 2024

Stefan Krasowski, an expert in maximizing American Express rewards and organizer of the Chicago Seminars, shares invaluable tips for optimizing points and benefits. He discusses strategies for new users, the benefits of specific Amex cards, and advanced tactics for upgrading and downgrading cards. Stefan highlights effective ways to navigate credit card risks, manage account offers, and leverage community knowledge. Anecdotes from his travel journey add a personal touch, making for an engaging conversation for both newbies and seasoned travelers.

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ADVICE

Starting with Amex

Start with simpler credit cards like Amex Blue Business Cash or Blue Business Plus.
These are easier to manage than complex hotel or airline cards.

INSIGHT

Hotel Cards for Beginners

Hotel credit cards offer a straightforward free night benefit, good for beginners.
Amex hotel cards may be more complex than other issuers' hotel cards.

ANECDOTE

Platinum for Lounges

Peter Boghossian, wanting airport lounge access, started with a complex Amex Platinum.
He enjoyed the Centurion and Delta Sky Club access despite initial complexity.

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In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula discusses American Express strategies for 2025 with guest Stephan Krasowski, recorded live at the 2024 Chicago Seminars in Elk Grove Village. They delve into optimal ways to utilize Amex points, miles, benefits, and rewards, including tips on upgrading and downgrading cards, maximizing Amex offers, and ensuring spend thresholds for substantial rewards. Additional discussions include strategies for new users, retention offers, leveraging community knowledge, and specific Amex card recommendations. They also touch upon broader topics like balancing risk in the points and miles hobby, and sharing anecdotes from their travel and financial journeys. 00:00 Introduction to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast 00:49 Upcoming Events and Announcements 02:41 Live Podcast at Chicago Seminars 03:11 American Express Strategies and Insights 05:07 Navigating Credit Card Risks and Rewards 15:45 Maximizing Hotel and Travel Benefits 25:58 Managing Credit Card Slots and Offers 27:56 Optimizing American Express Benefits 28:56 Advanced Amex Strategies and Delta Cards 29:44 Navigating No Lifetime Language Offers 29:57 Maximizing Delta Reserve Business Upgrades 30:30 Creative Spending and Gift Card Strategies 36:38 Exploring Obscure Credit Card Issuers 47:19 Retention Offers and Downgrading Strategies 49:16 Final Q&A and Closing Remarks -- Main website, including episode transcripts: https://hurdygurdytravelpodcast.com Referral links: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/ Join me for in-person meetups I host in Willow Grove, PA: https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/ SubscribeStar: https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdy-gurdy-travel SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8EcIcoNU1HK4KKhQtTkAWw Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast Google Play: https://www.play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/l5bmuntd4wpvtklvg42ejg42ejg4apiu Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/HGTravelPodcast Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/justinvacula Copy and paste the podcast RSS feed -- http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss -- to listen on your favorite podcast-playing platform!