travel

Review: U.S. Bank Altitude Connect

⭐⭐⭐, Credit Card Reviews /

The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect is a travel-focused Visa Signature credit card with a low annual fee. It earns a relatively high cash back rate on travel and gas expenses. It’s also good for streaming-related expenses. However, most people will be better off with the Altitude Go (no fee) or Altitude Reserve (high fee).

Update, March 2024: U.S. Bank announced that a number of changes are coming to this card on September 9th, 2024. Changes include: removing the $95 annual fee, lowering the value of points by 20% when not redeemed for travel, removing cell phone insurance, and removing the $30 annual streaming credit. The card will still earn 4x points on travel and gas, which actually makes things interesting despite the negative changes. The Altitude Connect will become roughly equivalent to the best no-fee travel card, the Penfed Pathfinder Rewards, if not better (since it keeps Priority Pass and Global Entry). We’ll update our review of the Altitude Connect when its changes take effect, and re-evaluate its value.

Our review from 2022 remains below:

FEATURES AT A GLANCE

  • $95 annual fee (waived for the first year, and will be eliminated on 9/9/24)
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • 5x points on hotels and car rentals (booked through U.S. Bank)
  • 4x points on all other travel
  • 4x points on gas (and electric vehicle charging stations) (will become limited to your first $1,000 each quarter)
  • 2x points on grocery (including delivery)
  • 2x points on dining
  • 2x points on streaming
  • 1x points on everything else
  • $30 annual streaming credit
  • $100 credit towards Global Entry or TSA PreCheck (once every 4 years)

…

Review: U.S. Bank Altitude ConnectRead More »

Review: Citi Premier

⭐⭐, Credit Card Reviews /

The Citi Premier Mastercard is a mid-tier credit card which earns cash back in popular categories. The card can pay for itself, but since it competes with no-fee cards, the value is questionable. Premier may have more limited applications than similar cards. It isn’t a must-have for most wallets despite appearing decent on the surface. Its main draw is the consistently large sign-up bonus and transfer partners.

FEATURES AT A GLANCE

  • $95 annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • 3x points on airlines and hotels
  • 3x points on dining
  • 3x points on groceries (excluding delivery)
  • 3x points on gas
  • 1x points on everything else
  • $100 Annual Hotel Savings Benefit

…

Review: Citi PremierRead More »

Review: Chase Sapphire Preferred

⭐⭐⭐, Credit Card Reviews /

The Chase Sapphire Preferred (CSP) Visa Signature is a mid-tier credit card which earns cash back on multiple categories. It was refreshed around early 2022 to add new perks and ways to earn more points. CSP has a low annual fee and may appear more attractive than the Chase Sapphire Reserve (CSR). It does however share some features with no-fee cards like the Chase Freedom Flex, making the value uncertain.

FEATURES AT A GLANCE

  • $95 annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards (flights, hotels, car rentals)
  • 3x points on dining/restaurants, including delivery and takeout
  • 3x points on select streaming
  • 3x points on online grocery purchases
  • 2x points on travel
  • 1x points on everything else
  • $50 annual hotel credit

…

Review: Chase Sapphire PreferredRead More »

Review: Bank of America Premium Rewards

⭐⭐⭐, Credit Card Reviews /

The Bank of America Premium Rewards Visa Signature is a mid-tier travel-focused credit card. It’s a fair option for casual travelers since the card can pay for itself. However, it’s best if you’re enrolled in the Preferred Rewards program. Anyone who isn’t in that program may be better served with other credit cards.

FEATURES AT A GLANCE

  • $95 annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • 2x points on travel
  • 2x points on dining
  • 1.5x points on everything else
  • $100 annual airline incidental credit
  • $100 credit towards Global Entry or TSA PreCheck (once every 4 years)

…

Review: Bank of America Premium RewardsRead More »

The 10 Best Credit Cards for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck

Credit Card Roundups, Reference /

What is Global Entry and TSA PreCheck?

The US government has five “trusted traveler” programs. They expedite border crossings and airport customs. If you travel at least once a year, this might be worth considering. Even occasional travelers can save a lot of time.

The programs (Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, SENTRI, NEXUS, FAST) are “risk-based programs to facilitate the entry of pre-approved travelers.” After applying for membership to one, the government can look into your background and interview you. It’s a simple process and doesn’t take much time, although it may take a while for the government to process your paperwork. Memberships are valid for 5 years once approved.

A private option is CLEAR. They use biometric data (your face and eyes) to create a touch-free ID pass, which can be used at airports to quickly go through airport security. It can be combined with TSA PreCheck for extra speed. It’s available in 34 cities as of early 2022, and costs up to $180 per year. (It’s free or discounted through Delta, United, or the American Express Platinum card.)

Which program should you enroll in?

The best one depends on where and how you travel. Eligibility also varies between programs.

  • TSA PreCheck is for domestic airline travel within the U.S.
  • NEXUS is for air/land/sea travel within the U.S. and Canada.
  • SENTRI covers air and land travel within the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
  • Global Entry covers all air/land/sea travel.

SENTRI and FAST don’t apply to most people, and they don’t have their fees covered by credit cards, so we won’t discuss those options here.

If in doubt, apply for Global Entry. It’s the most comprehensive option, and it includes TSA PreCheck. But if you never travel outside of North America, it might be better to get NEXUS or SENTRI (which also include TSA PreCheck).

…

The 10 Best Credit Cards for Global Entry or TSA PreCheckRead More »

Travel Insurance and Purchase Protections On Top Premium Credit Cards

Credit Card Roundups /

Credit cards with high annual fees usually get attention for their points-earning potential and travel/lifestyle perks like lounge access. But they tend to include great benefits which can be overlooked. If you want peace of mind while traveling and making retail purchases, the below list is for you.

These metal cards all include features such as trip cancellation or interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, lost luggage reimbursement, rental vehicle insurance, travel and emergency assistance, purchase security, extended warranty service, and return protection. They also have variations of Priority Pass access and Global Entry reimbursement.

Most Visa Infinite cards have similar benefits. It does vary by issuer though. Some benefits are listed below as “N/A” to show that similar cards may offer that benefit. It’s a quick comparison tool. As of February 2021, most Visa cards should include free NortonLifeLock ID Navigator. This service has dark web monitoring and more, similar to existing free services through issuers like Discover and Capital One. Visa Infinite cardholders also get special discounts/offers with companies like Shipt, Sofar Sounds, and Skillshare. These perks were added around the same time.

Note: Details here are current as of early 2022 and are subject to change.

…

Travel Insurance and Purchase Protections On Top Premium Credit CardsRead More »

United Nations Federal Credit Union (UNFCU): Credit Cards and How To Join

Credit Card Reviews, Credit Card Roundups /

The United Nations Federal Credit Union (UNFCU) is a New York based cooperative which is somewhat open to everyone. Membership is primarily for United Nations employees or volunteers and their families, but unaffiliated people can join UNFCU by simultaneously joining an affiliate organization. As of 2021-2022, there are two options:

  • The United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA) costs $0 if you’re 25 or younger; otherwise it’s at least $50 per year ($25 for the first year). UNA has a Lifetime membership for $1,000 (equivalent to $20 per year for 50 years).
  • Kilimanjaro Initiative USA (KI-USA) costs $0 if you’re a student, otherwise it’s $25 per year.

You can join during the UNFCU application process or do it on your own. We haven’t verified yet if UNA/KI membership can be a one-time cost or must be maintained indefinitely to retain UNFCU membership.

UNFCU’s checking account has no significant fees or minimum balance requirements, and can earn up to 1% APY. There’s an inactivity fee for accounts that have 2+ years of zero transactions.

The main benefit we’ll explore here is their two credit cards. Both have a $100 sign-up bonus (SUB) after spending $2,000 in 4 months, plus 0% APR for 6-12 months.

…

United Nations Federal Credit Union (UNFCU): Credit Cards and How To JoinRead More »

Credit Card Issuers: SunTrust / Truist (4 Cards Reviewed)

Credit Card Reviews, Credit Card Roundups /

SunTrust (now Truist) is a bank based out of Atlanta. They became Truist after merging with BB&T (Branch Banking and Trust Company). It’s one of the 10 largest U.S. banks, and they offer three credit cards plus a private credit card option. All four cards are unimpressive, but may be worth considering for a year or two.

The three public cards have a “loyalty bonus” of “10%, 25% or 50%, based on your deposit relationship with SunTrust when you redeem rewards directly to a SunTrust Checking, Savings or Money Market account.” Program enrollment requires a checking account. It’s not as good as Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program.

  • 10% = $0+ in assets
  • 25% = $25-100k in assets
  • 50% = $100k+ in assets

…

Credit Card Issuers: SunTrust / Truist (4 Cards Reviewed)Read More »

The Top 5 Credit Cards For Priority Pass Lounge Access

Credit Card Roundups /

Priority Pass is a membership program which allows access to select airport lounges, and potential airport restaurant/spa/shopping discounts. Lounges include Wi-fi, charging stations, free food and drinks, TVs, and more. Upscale options may include perks like sleeping suites or showers. If you’re interested in Priority Pass membership, you don’t need to buy it. Several credit cards offer free access. Note that each card may have different “tiers” of benefits and exclusions may apply.

The value of Priority Pass depends on how often you’d use airport lounges. Getting Priority Pass separately has a minimum annual cost of $99. This general membership costs $32 per visit, per person ($291 for one person to have six visits in one year). At the next tier up, it’s $299 for 10 “free” lounge visits. The last membership tier is $429 for unlimited lounge visits. Costing $130 more than the middle tier, you’d need at least 4-5 extra visits (32*4=$128) to justify the price.

The value of lounges themselves will vary a lot by location. Some are great while others don’t offer enough benefits to assign a significant cash value. On the other hand, Priority Pass restaurants can always be a fair deal, with a $28-30 discount per visit (more with a guest or two). There are 20 U.S. airports (and 19 non-U.S. airports) with this benefit as of late 2021. Adding select restaurants to the mix increases the value of Priority Pass membership.

Most of the 5 metal cards below have flexible point redemptions (hotel cards aren’t included here) and Priority Pass Restaurant access, plus 2+ free guests. Although other credit cards offer Priority Pass benefits, this list has what we believe are the best overall options.
…

The Top 5 Credit Cards For Priority Pass Lounge AccessRead More »

Review: City National Bank Crystal Visa Infinite

⭐⭐⭐, Credit Card Reviews /

The City National Bank (CNB) Crystal Visa Infinite is a high-end luxury card for travelers. It competes with other Visa Infinite cards, but the long-term value is less clear for CNB. What was once a card with rare benefits is now one of several choices. Comparable cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve could be better for most people. However, the Crystal card isn’t without its merits.

FEATURES AT A GLANCE

  • $400 annual fee (sometimes waived the first year)
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • 3x points on most travel (airline, hotel, taxi, rideshare, limousine, rental car, train, bus)
  • 3x points on dining (restaurants, fast food, takeout)
  • 1x points on everything else
  • $100 credit towards Global Entry or TSA PreCheck (once every 4 years)
  • Metal card

…

Review: City National Bank Crystal Visa InfiniteRead More »