How to use that 100K bonus, and which vacation home platform rules? | Ask Us Anything Ep75 | 5-7-25

17 snips

May 13, 2025

Discover how to maximize a 100K bonus from Chase for international travel and the best strategies for redeeming those points. Learn insider tips on managing US credit cards while living abroad and how to effectively utilize vacation rental platforms for great value. Exciting anecdotes from travels in the UK bring humor, alongside discussions on the innovative Mesa homeowners card that rewards mortgage payments. Plus, get travel tips for Puerto Rico's hidden gems and luxury experiences!

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ANECDOTE

Luxury Castle Stay in Scotland

Stephen is staying at a Small Luxury Hotels of the World property booked through Hilton using three-night certificates.
The points cost was high, but the experience was fantastic and included plans to ride the Harry Potter steam train in Scotland.

ADVICE

Use VPN for Overseas Card Applications

Use a VPN automatically when applying for US credit cards overseas.
This helped Stephen succeed in applications even while abroad and avoided typical issues.

ADVICE

Keep Cards and Use Downgrades

Avoid closing credit cards unless necessary to maintain credit line and approval odds.
Consider retention offers or product changes to lower-fee cards to keep benefits and points.

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How would we use that 100K bonus, and which vacation home rental platform has the best value? We answered these questions and more on the Ask Us Anything hosted live on YouTube on May 7th, 2025.

(03:54) - Hi! Q for Stephen: what’s your credit card strategy now that you’ve moved? For everyone: If you lived outside the US but could still have US credit cards, which cards would you keep?

(06:45) - Last month, y'all outlined how many cards you open each year- often 12-20. How many do you close each year?

(10:23) - I don’t know if I really want to know this answer (haha) but did anyone have luck with Atlantis after the Wyndham/Caesars status match deal went dead earlier this year?

(12:47) - Any news when we can book Philippine Airlines with Alaska miles? Any ideas to get more Alaska miles to book Philippine Airlines tickets?

(17:21) - Am going to book an Air France award ticket. Fees are $400+. If I use Amex Plat for this, will I get 5x? Will I get trip protection/insurance?

(18:38) - What is the best use of the recent 100K Chase point offering in terms of Flights overseas? Read our Best Use of Chase Ultimate Rewards points resource here.

(30:32) - Can you explain the expiration date reset if merging Avios from other programs with different expiration dates? Read our Avios expiration dates post here.

(32:14) - I was just bumped from an SQ J ticket that was booked as part of my RTW itinerary. Do you guys know what kind of compensation to ask for? They offered $525 USD and a Garuda Flight

(34:18) - Do authorized users of Ink Preferred or Sapphire be able to transfer points to their airline accounts?

(35:25) - Is the option to get both personal Hawaiian cards now dead? (I have both, but P2 does not have both yet)

(36:16) - Would Chase allow me to hold multiple Ritz Carlton cards simultaneously? If yes, how?

(38:07) - Which vacation home rental program do you recommend for its value?

(43:28) - Anyone get/use the Mesa card?

(45:03) - Any hidden gems in Puerto Rico that you guys would recommend? I have a trip coming up later this year that I haven't planned much for

(46:26) - What's the most memorable reaction you've seen from someone experiencing miles and points who wasn't used to it

(47:17) - Which cards does Greg actually use for travel and dining as opposed to the one-off benefits?

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Music Credit – “swappin’ back n’ forth” by up @ night