What’s In My Wallet (Q4 2023) | My New Credit Card Setup Perfected

Рет қаралды 8,122

Күн бұрын

Ok, so the time has finally come to go over what’s in my wallet for the fourth quarter of 2023! This is a very special what’s in my wallet video because, for the first time in a long time, my credit card setup is completely different.
The first card in my wallet is my new all-time favorite card, the US Bank Altitude Reserve card. This card has an annual fee of $400 and comes with a standard sign-up bonus of 50,000 bonus points after spending $4,500 in the first 90 days after account opening.
It earns 5X points back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards center, 3X points back on mobile wallet spending on Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, 3X points back on travel, and 1X points back on all other eligible purchases.
The benefits include a $325 travel and dining statement credit, primary auto rental collision damage waiver, a $100 TSA Precheck or Global Entry credit, and a complimentary Priority Pass Membership that gives you 8 free visits per year.
The second card in my wallet is the Bilt Mastercard. The Bilt Mastercard is a no annual fee credit card that earns 3X points back on dining, 2X points back on travel, 1X points back on rent, as well as 1X points back on all other purchases with the caveat that you must use this card 5 times each statement period to earn points.
This card also has a lot of great benefits, especially for a no annual fee card, including no foreign transaction fees, primary auto rental collision damage waiver, cell phone protection, and access to multiple airline and hotel transfer partners.
The third card in my wallet is the Chase Ink Cash, which is my sign-up bonus card for this quarter. I was able to get the Chase Ink Cash card when the 90k sign-up bonus offer was available.
This no annual fee business credit card gets you 5X points back at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services, 2X points back on gas stations and restaurants, and 1X points back on everything else with those elevated categories both limited to the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases each account anniversary year.
The fourth card in my wallet is the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card, which will get me 5.25% back on online shopping for up to $2,500 in spend per quarter.
Finally, the fifth card in my wallet is the American Express Platinum card, which earns 5X Membership Rewards points on flights and 5X Membership Rewards points on hotels booked through Amex Travel, specifically the hotels in the Fine Hotels and Resorts Program.
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Relevant Links:
👉 Apply for the Bilt Mastercard: cfrog.co/wf-bilt
💎 Apply for the Amex Platinum Card: cfrog.co/amex
✅ Apply for the Chase Ink Cash Card: cfrog.co/ink
Note: Use the Bilt Mastercard® 5 times each statement period to earn points. For more information, please visit www.wellsfargo.com/credit-car...
CONNECT with me:
▶️ SUBSCRIBE to my channel!: / @thecreditfrog
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:37 What's In My Wallet Q4 2023
12:59 Outro
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Note: This description contains affiliate links, meaning that I may earn a commission if you click through these links and successfully apply, sign up, or buy the product or service mentioned.
Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor, accountant, or lawyer, and as such, I do not provide financial, tax, or legal advice. This video, and any ideas presented in it, are opinions and are provided for entertainment purposes only. Please do your own research and consult your own financial, tax, or legal professional for specific advice.
#creditcard #whatsinmywallet #bestcreditcards

Пікірлер: 96

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

For clarity: USB Altutide Reserve RTR redemeptions are 1.5X only on travel redemptions. So to get 4.5X points back, you get 3X on mobile wallet purchases and then reeem using RTR for travel purchases in the following categories that you can select when you set up RTR: Airlines, Car Rental, Lodging, Other Travel. So it's not 4.5X on everything, but if you redeem for travel purchases, it is. Hope that helps!

@Immacu1ate 8 ай бұрын

You can also book a refundable travel item. Apply RTR. Cancel travel booking.

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

@@Immacu1ate Yup! Another great way to liquidate those points at 1.5X!

@devonk2724 8 ай бұрын

@@Immacu1ateCan you please explain how that works once you cancel? Wouldn't the points get refunded back?

@Immacu1ate 7 ай бұрын

Nope. RTR redemptions are final. T&Cs even say the merchant will refund you. @@devonk2724

@CheckRaiseYou08 7 ай бұрын

@@devonk2724, no. Not if you use the Realtime rewards. You get the cash value, the points are not refunded.

@SpencerJohnsonOfficial 7 ай бұрын

I really like this setup you're rocking. I could definitely see myself having a lot of these cards in an endgame setup! Great stuff as always Stan 👊🏼

@TheCreditFrog 7 ай бұрын

Thanks, Spencer! Yes, I'm pretty happy with it, and even with SUB cards, I'm able to use the USB AR and Bilt MC as well, which is super cool and helps me maximize my spending!

@brenley 7 ай бұрын

always love watching these videos/refreshes!! great video, stan!

@TheCreditFrog 7 ай бұрын

Thanks, Brenley! Glad you enjoyed it!

@MattWelterOfficial 8 ай бұрын

Love to see the What's in My Wallet refresh & to see how much your wallet has changed with a Card like the U.S Bank Alt Reserve being at the center of it. Like you mentioned, definitely a huge difference between the broad annual travel credit on the Altitude Reserve and some of those hard to use statement credits on a lot of Amex Cards that cause burnout haha. Dang that's awesome you were able to lock in 4x back on that Auto Service as well with Apple Pay. The Altitude Reserve is definitely extremely underrated. Great video as always Stan!

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

Thanks so much Matt! I love how you call it a refresh because that's exactly what it sounds like. Taking out the old and busted and bringing in the new hotness, haha! The travel and dining credit on the AR is such a nice breath of fresh air after all the recent changes with Amex and their monthly credits. I will continue to sing praises of the USB AR. I wish it had a referral program lol, but in any case - it's a solid card so I can't be mad at it haha!

@TH-TravelingTales 8 ай бұрын

Solid set up Stan! This video proves how a simple credit card setup can be so powerful! Keep p the good work

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

I appreciate Tanjim! For sure, I'm all about simplicity and getting value at the same time. It's a delicate balance.

@LukesPointsandMiles 8 ай бұрын

Stan I love the set up! You prove that trifectas are way overrated. Very solid set up and great video!!

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

Thanks so much Uncle Luke! Yes, this has been a great set up so far, and it fits me quite well!

@jimmyjames6492 8 ай бұрын

Nice setup! It's always interesting to see which CCs people are using. Thanks for the info + video!

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

Of course, Jimmy James! Glad you enjoyed the video!

@chrisv4920 8 ай бұрын

Stan my idol!!! Thanks for sharing your experience with the USAR. Nice set up! 🤑

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

Of course, Chris! Gotta shine a spotlight on my USB AR fans once in a while! Probably a lot more of that to come, haha!

@KevinYang 8 ай бұрын

It's that time of every quarter! So interesting seeing setups that are very geared towards one's lifestyle, especially one that isn't as commonly seen. Awesome breakdown and simple setup!

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

That's right Kevin! Haha, yes, I love seeing everyone's setup and they vary so differently from person to person. I definitely admit that mine is a pretty unique one. Thanks man!

@Milkinporsche 8 ай бұрын

Very solid set up, the altitude reserve is such an underrated card.

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

Agreed Yue! Such an underrated card!

@SectionChief 8 ай бұрын

Stan, this is so informative. I haven't used my brand-new USBAR yet but it's amazing that US Bank does not share some of this multiplier information anywhere obvious (or at all) on their website or literature, pre-application or even post-approval. It looks like (on forums) that many USB customers find out a few USB benefits only via trial-and-error.

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

Thanks Sean! Yeah, I think if you don't mind redeeming points for travel using RTR and using this card exclusively for mobile wallet purchases! This is such a great card to use for so many traditional credit card categories. I made a pinned comment about how to make sure you get 1.5cpp using RTR so make sure to check that out. Also, USB AR Priority Pass gets you access to PP restaurants so that's also a win!

@MidlifeMoneyMoves 8 ай бұрын

That US Bank Reserve Card is unbelievable! Thanks for covering it here!

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

Of course, Michael! It's such a great card, and I'm very happy with it!

@jakemercure 8 ай бұрын

This is such an awesome setup! I like how creative you are Stan, this is something most people haven't really thought about as a setup. I'm in the complex part of the game with all the amex cards and after those are done, I'll move over to a setup like this. Awesome video!!

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

Thanks so much Jake! Yeah, it's definitely a unique setup for sure, but I like it - especially because I can incorporate sign-up bonus cards into the mix! Gotta get through those Amex cards as they have some of the best sign-up bonuses in the game. But you never know how your life may change so you may decide to create a setup you never thought of before!

@L-Man-Gaming 8 ай бұрын

So with those sign up bonus cards do you just redeem cash back or do you have other cards tucked away to transfer out to like the Sapphire Preferred?@@TheCreditFrog

@SledgeIncTeam 8 ай бұрын

Great setup and great strategy Stan. Whats in my wallet changes every day hahahaha

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

Thanks Sledge! Yes, you have a lot more cards to choose from so I can see how that could happen!

@RemGb10 8 ай бұрын

Finally folks are realizing the value of the best use everywhere you go in person credit card. The icing on the cake is when you're overseas you still get 4.5% on all purchases made with mobile wallet with no foreign transaction fees... Perfect card for overseas travel...

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

That's right! The USB AR card is super flexible and like you said, can get you a ton of value with those mobile wallet purchases with no FTFs! This card is the best all-in-one card out there IMO! Still remember your advice about the retention offer, so I'm definitely going to try that one out at the end of year 1!

@ow5966 8 ай бұрын

Stan is the man!

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

I appreciate that!!

@LooseJointhiphopdance 6 ай бұрын

Great video !!! I leaned a lot about the Altitude Reserve Card. Seems like it’s better than the Sapphire Reserve Card. With the Sapphire card that I’ve been heavily after I thought that you can use it as a trifecta with the CFU, BIU and CSR redeem for higher in the travel portal. Seems this ARC doesn’t the trick more simplistically. Except the Sapphire Lounge might be better. Your thoughts?

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Thank you! Yes, the AR card is very underrated. I wish US Bank was more open to applications, but unfortunately, it's one of those cards that is harder to get, especially compared to the Sapphire Reserve! If the travel portal is how you plan to redeem points, the USB AR and CSR do that at 1.5X. CSR does have Chase transfer partners, so if that's something you want, may be better to go with CSR. Both CSR and USB AR have a nice Priority Pass, but USB AR only has 8/year, which could be more than enough if you don't travel often. If you live in an area with a Sapphire lounge, then having the CSR may be a better option also.

@LooseJointhiphopdance 6 ай бұрын

@@TheCreditFrog Thanks for your answer. I live in NY and LaGuardia airport has a Sapphire Lounge. There’s about 8 in the US and 1 in Hong Kong. I think the CSR is worth it. I didn’t know it’s kind of hard to get the altitude card. I guess I’ll have to be a member of US Bank for a while and then apply for that credit card. What I’m really after is US Banks Business Credit Cards

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

@@LooseJointhiphopdance Starting that US Bank personal relationship is probably a great start then! Both for ther personal and business sides of things!

@theeel24 8 ай бұрын

Great setup! I recently got the Altitude Reserve card as well and am loving it so far too. These data points are helpful to see how the credit was applied in multiple ways. Do you know if travel/dining spend that is reimbursed with the credit still counts toward the spend requirement for the SUB? I have a flight to book and am curious if it will count toward the $4,500 required since most of the cost I would get back as a statement credit.

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

Hey! Congrats on the USB AR card! It's such a great card to have, as you know! I'm sure that any spend towards the travel/dining credit counts. If you ever have any doubts, check your SUB spend tracker which you can find both on the US Bank website as well as on the app!

@WhatsThePoints1 8 ай бұрын

Guessing you’re getting the Amex BBP again for catch all to round out your transferable points earning? Great setup! I’m not in the BofA ecosystem but when I eventually downgrade my CSR and cancel my Amex gold I’ll likely use AR/Bilt/Venture X since I need all no foreign fee cards. However unless I’m using those new C1 lounges and will always have at least some Chase UR in the mix I may just downgrade to venture 1 since the VX is kinda redundant with AR and settle for 1.25x catch all although I did learn about the Alliant visa signature 2.5% cash back card with no AF and no foreign currency; but I’m 10/24 and need to garden for 18+ months as it is to get more chase 😂

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

I definitely want to get the BBP again at some point! I had to cancel the card earlier this year, but it's still a great catch-all card for pretty much any situation! Yeah, we'll have to see what happens with the Venture X. They're opening new lounges so maybe it will be worth it if one is opening/open in your area. I think having 2-3 point systems is a pretty good way to go since any more than that, I feel that your points get diluted unless your consistently churning out thoes SUBs and transferring them to transfer partners that span multiple programs. That Alliant credit card is pretty good too if you don't mind the flat cash back rate, which is not too shabby for catch-all spend! Good luck getting under 5/24, it's going to be a long road, but if you can do it, I think it'll be worth it because Ink cards are where it's at!

@elliottnixon-wq6sp 8 ай бұрын

Nice set up bro. Here’s a video idea that I haven’t seen people do before and maybe you could jump on it: what is the best no annual fee set up? I’m still salty about Hilton raising the AF so I’m looking for cheaper alternatives. Got any ideas?

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

Thanks Elliott! Hmm, yeah, I've never done that kind of video before! I'm definitely going to add it to the list. Yeah, those Hilton cards are a love it or hate it situation. I'm glad we're on the same side lol! I would wait until we see what happens with the WF Autograph! Of course, Bilt, C1S1, Citi CC, are also strong contenders!

@boombstc1 8 ай бұрын

@Stan. Great vid. I agree with you about replacing the boa prem rewards with something else due to the 95 AF. There are a lot of cards that do what it does for no AF. Give me a hint about what you are thinking of replacing it with.

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

Thanks bro! So I'll be replacing the PR Elite, which has a $550 AF with another BofA catch all card. There are certainly a lot of other cards that can do the same thing with no annual fee. My hint is it's going to be another BofA card UR/TR/PR, but which one? 🤔

@boombstc1 8 ай бұрын

@@TheCreditFrog I too love a challenge. The ur fits cleanly but it has an FTF. The TR doesn't, but you have to be ok with redeeming for dining or travel. I don't think I would mind, I eat out too much since the card will be used when the usbar can't be used and dining is an example of when it cant....

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

@@boombstc1 You make very compelling points for the TR card!

@LK_EBM 8 ай бұрын

The 4.5% back is underrated. If you had the CFU, you'd have to find a 3 cpp redemption just to get the save equivalent value! That's unlikely to happen consistently!

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

For sure LK! If you redeem these points the right way, this card is a BEAST cash back credit card. And the redemptions are so simple to do - and like you said.. consistently. It's nice to know what you're getting back for a change!

@ItsMeCJ 8 ай бұрын

First!!!

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

Missed it by a a hair! 🥈

@livesayjd 6 ай бұрын

Stan: at 8:45 you mentioned you might do a separate video re: the best catch-all card for this setup. Did you ever do that? Just wondering what your opinion on that card would be. I just recently picked up the Altitude Reserve, and I'm trying to answer that very question for my household. :)

@TheCreditFrog 6 ай бұрын

Yeah, I did! It was the Bank of America catch-all credit card video. I use the BofA cards for my catch-all, when I can't use mobile wallets for the USB AR! Very cool that you were able to get the AR (apologies, forgot if I congratulated you already on getting it!). USB AR should capture most spending categories, but like a backup VISA for an Amex setup, you'll need a backup catch-all card. The best one on the market at this time IMO is the Alliant VISA Signature card from the Alliant Credit Union which gets you 2.5% on up to 10,000 in spend per month as long as you have a checking account with them and meet other requirements.

@livesayjd 6 ай бұрын

Thanks! @@TheCreditFrog

@zacharyraper2920 8 ай бұрын

Can you do a cash booking side-by-side between all of the bank travel portals? Curious to see if US bank is cheaper than cap1, citi, amex, chase

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

I think that's a great idea! Unfortunately, I don't have any C1 or Citi cards, but I could definitely do Amex, Chase, USB, and BofA!

@DugrozReports 7 ай бұрын

Bro droppin' $122 on a meal out ... 🤣

@TheCreditFrog 7 ай бұрын

Haha! I'm fancy sometimes 🎩

@MattClausen 8 ай бұрын

Issuers asleep at the wheel with Mobile Wallet. I may end up defaulting to the Altitude Reserve in time.

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

I agree Matt! Mobile wallet is the new best category because it makes almost every other category obsolete! The USB AR is such a refreshing card with a single easy-to-use annual statement credit and an equally as easy redemeption option with RTR!

@RoshanGiri009 7 ай бұрын

Awesome Videos Brother. watching you for last two weeks and became kind of a fan. by any chance potential collab for video editing or thumbnails?

@TheCreditFrog 7 ай бұрын

Hey, I appreciate it! As of now, I do my own editing and thumbnails, but if I change my mind, I can always reach out!

@GrantWillcox-ux1cs 8 ай бұрын

I thought real time rewards is 1.0 cents on all non travel purchases? Bit confused by your case of car repairs being 1.5 cents or 4.5 cents with the mobile wallet purchase. Would think it would be 3 cents per dollar?

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

Hi Grant! Yup, you're absolutely right! What I did was get 3X mobile wallet on car repairs (plus other mobile wallet purchases), and then redeemed those points for a flight I booked directly on the website using the USB AR with RTR. With RTR, I got 1.5X on that redemption so, in total, 4.5X points back. Hope that makes sense. I dropped a pinned comment to help make more sense out of this!

@GrantWillcox-ux1cs 8 ай бұрын

@@TheCreditFrog Ah thanks makes much more sense! The business travel I do is paid for by my company (2-4 trips a year) and I only do maybe 1 personal trip a year, so redeeming RTR points for travel doesn't quite make as much sense for me, but I'm glad you were able to find something that worked for you and your travel needs!

@RemGb10 8 ай бұрын

Let me guess your next move. You're going to product change the premium Elite card to second customized cash card and apply for premium travel card that has the exact multipliers as the elite one for $450 less in annual fees...

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

I may or may not be doing that, but I will say that I'm impressed!

@L-Man-Gaming 8 ай бұрын

You're in the end game now.

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

I sure am.

@L-Man-Gaming 8 ай бұрын

You have to go through all the churning and travel cards first before you end up at cash back. It's a journey everyone has to take.@@TheCreditFrog

@AhmadKhwajazada 8 ай бұрын

First

@ItsMeCJ 8 ай бұрын

Stop this madness!

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

Congrats Ahmad! You are First!! 🥇

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

Almost CJ! 👍

@AhmadKhwajazada 8 ай бұрын

@@ItsMeCJNEVER, I will always be first MUAHAHHA

@ItsMeCJ 8 ай бұрын

@@AhmadKhwajazada never!!!

@theinternationalist1357 8 ай бұрын

Stan, WF is coming...

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

It is. We'll see what they offer and go from there! 👀

@theinternationalist1357 8 ай бұрын

@@TheCreditFrog 2 more days... You be the first to analyze it before the others start flooding in, lol.

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

@@theinternationalist1357 We'll see haha! I have to work so that makes things harder for me to film quickly

@CheckRaiseYou08 7 ай бұрын

please don't highlight the unlimited 4.5% cash back. We don't want to get it nerfed by USB!

@TheCreditFrog 7 ай бұрын

I hope they don’t nerf it! This card is my new favorite!

@freelancersujon99 8 ай бұрын

Stan The Credit Frog recently came across your youtube channel and was impressed by the quality of your content. However, after conducting a comprehensive analysis, I noticed there is room for improvement for your youtube channel for getting more visitors and subscribers. • Your Thumbnail needs to be more eye-catchy • Your Video Title, Description needs to be improved • You need to use more relevant tags and keywords Kind Regards

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

Thanks! I will try to make my thumbnails more eye-catchy!

@CesarJoel 8 ай бұрын

Solid setup Stan! Sometimes we focus too much on trifectas and there are so many great cards that can provide more value without being stuck in one ecosystem. Great what’s in my wallet video! Keep up the great work bro!🫵

@TheCreditFrog 8 ай бұрын

Thank you César! Yeah, I definitely agree with not putting all of you eggs in one basket and sticking with only one ecosystem. Trifectas are great in certain situations, but once you figure you your spending patterns, there's a lot more combinations out there for sure! I appreciate you, bro!