Category Archives for Credit Cards.
Citi’s new premium Strata Elite card delivers far more first-year value than its $595 fee suggests — credits stack twice, bonuses are huge, and the math almost feels like a mistake.
Four premium cards, all with $600+ annual fees, might sound crazy — but they more than pay for themselves. Between stacked credits, lounge access, and reward strategies, here’s exactly how I turn those fees into profit every year.
Citi’s new Strata Elite card comes loaded with credits — airfare, hotels, car service, even Best Buy — that add up fast. Here’s how I’m stacking every one of them, and why the card’s first-year value is far greater than anyone seems to realize.
Everyone debates which credit card is “best,” but most people are solving the wrong problem. This simple framework cuts through the noise, showing how to decide which card actually fits your spending, benefits, and goals.
Amex has reloaded its Business Platinum with a 200,000-point bonus and richer perks across travel, hotels, and credits. Even with an $895 annual fee, the math still makes it a no-brainer for frequent travelers.
Citi’s new Strata Elite card is handing out approvals fast — and for good reason. With a 100,000-point bonus, stacked travel and retail credits, and easy eligibility rules, it delivers first-year value few premium cards can match.
I got my card when the offer was just 80,000 points and I was super happy with that. I only wish I’d waited until right now to apply, because the limited time launch offer for the card has actually been improved upon.
Turn a $95 annual fee into 100,000 points you can redeem across Star Alliance, Emirates, Etihad, Oman Air, and more airlines than any other program.
Chase is offering a 70% transfer bonus to Marriott Bonvoy — but even with that boost, moving Chase points to Marriott is still a poor deal. In most cases you can get close to double the value by redeeming through Chase instead, especially when a hotel is available through The Edit. Here’s the math and the much better way to book.
It’s hard to imagine anyone that won’t find this to be incredible for a year. After that, it’s up to you.
Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel -- a topic he has covered since 2002.
Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »
