Discover how to sidestep Uber's sneaky foreign exchange fees and find out if your US credits work overseas. Learn the ins and outs of current Delta credit card offers and the latest perks available with Amex Platinum upgrades. Navigate the tricky world of scams targeting travelers and hear about United's customer service woes. Finally, uncover a hidden gem beach in Florida and explore attractive Wyndham timeshare deals that provide great benefits and accommodations.
Travelers should avoid foreign exchange traps by choosing local currency charges to save on fees and get better rates.
Recent increases in Delta and Amex credit card offers present significant opportunities for maximizing travel rewards for informed users.
Deep dives
Navigating Currency Exchange While Traveling
Travelers often face challenges regarding foreign exchange fees, which can significantly increase trip costs. Using credit cards that offer no foreign exchange fees is a smart strategy to avoid extra charges. For instance, when using ATMs abroad, travelers should decline conversion offers that can result in unfavorable exchange rates and hidden fees. Instead, it's more economical to choose charges directly in the local currency, as it often leads to better exchange rates and savings.
Challenges with Airlines' Customer Service
Airlines, such as United, are increasingly transitioning to automated customer service, raising concerns about traveler support. Closing customer service desks at hubs means that passengers must navigate centralized systems or QR codes to resolve issues, which can lead to frustration. For example, a traveler faced delays and long wait times when trying to rebook a flight without the assistance of an in-person agent. This change could disproportionately affect those less familiar with technology, highlighting the need for accessible customer support options in the airline industry.
Understanding Credit Card Offers and Their Impacts
Recent increases in credit card offers, particularly for Delta and American Express cards, provide valuable opportunities for travelers seeking rewards. The Delta gold cards, for example, are highlighted as offering the best value due to waived annual fees for the first year and favorable mile valuations. Moreover, understanding application rules for these cards is crucial, as certain actions can preclude bonus opportunities. This complexity emphasizes the importance of being informed about credit card strategies to maximize rewards without missing out due to existing card holdings.
This week Uber was in the news for a couple of reasons. First off, they are adding a foreign exchange fee, but you don't want to get caught in the trap. Find out how to save yourself from the fee and to ensure you are always getting the best deal. We also follow up on the Clear/Uber deal which was a mess this week after a sudden cancelation and refunds. In other news the Delta Amex cards all have increased offers right now, but which one is best. We also discuss: the prevalence of phone/email/text scammers, phone vs. big screen, United's closed customer service desks, Amex Platinum upgrades, Wyndham's solid timeshare offers and a beach in Florida you have to see! Episode Guide
0:00 The great dilemma phone or big screen for booking travel
0:52 Uber’s new foreign exchange “trap”
2:48 Do US Uber credits/gift cards work overseas now?
3:30 United’s closed customer service desks - Creating a headache
5:03 Have QR codes gone too far?
6:10 Email/text scams are getting worse than ever
8:15 Increased offers on all Delta cards - Ranking them best to worst
10:04 New Amex Platinum upgrade offers sent out
11:13 Why you need to stay up on bank credit card application rules
12:27 Clear pulls Uber deal and refunds customers
14:14 Very attractive Wyndham timeshare deals released
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