Getting cards in my wife's name and how I will earn 140,000 Hilton points with one purchase

I have been actively collecting points and miles via new credit card signup bonuses for four years. In that time, I have opened and closed nearly two dozen accounts. That may not sound like many compared to other bloggers, but I never open cards when I can’t meet the spending requirement for the bonus with my normal purchases. However, I have reached the point where I currently hold or have recently closed most of the cards that interest me. The solution: begin applying for cards in my wife’s name! And, this week, I have an “opportunity” to earn the signup bonus on her latest card with a single purchase!

International travel tips: wireless phones and car rental

Recently, I received a text from a close friend asking for advice on a couple of European travel issues. While I knew the answers, in general, I checked a few websites to be sure I was giving him solid information. I also realized this could be information that others relatively infrequent travelers to Europe would also like to know.

The long wait is over! I have the Chase Sapphire Reserve!

That was a long road, but I have finally reached the destination! Yesterday my shiny, new Chase Sapphire Reserve card arrived via UPS! Earlier this week I applied for and was instantly approved for what is perhaps the most popular points and miles card on the market. My excitement level was higher than normal given that I have been waiting to get this card since its debut in September 2016. The card has a $450 annual fee but great benefits. The question begging to be answered is simple: “Is the card worth such a high fee?”

Evaluating my credit card portfolio - Chase

Since my pursuit of points and miles has resulted in many open credit card accounts, I recently began a top-to-bottom review of my overall credit card portfolio. In today's entry in the series covering this review, I will consider the Chase card products I hold.

Downgrading the Chase Sapphire Preferred to the Freedom Unlimited

Recently, Chase changed its rules and now prohibits a user from carrying more than one Sapphire card product. My wife wants to apply for the very attractive Chase Sapphire Reserve card so we decided to downgrade her current Chase Sapphire Preferred to the Chase Freedom Unlimited. The process was fairly simple and now she will be able to apply for the Sapphire Reserve product.

Approved for Amex Everyday Preferred with 30,000 point signup bonus

The Amex Everyday Preferred card is a great credit card for everyday spend given its 50% across-the-board point bonus with 30 uses per month. However, the 30,000 point signup bonus is targeted to new Amex customers, so current customers have to be careful how they access the signup page.

What that new credit card with a chip means for you

Recently, U.S. banks have been issuing EMV chip-enabled credit cards. This is not strictly a travel issue, but, because I cover reward credit cards and because there are definite advantages to EMV cards for Americans traveling overseas, I feel compelled to touch on this shift. Today I offer a primer on the background of this change and how the new cards will impact and benefit you, the user.

Rent an Audi A4 with Silvercar and save big!

Silvercar is a new kind of rental car company that rents only silver Audi A4s. Right now, with the right coupon codes and shopping portal you can save huge dollars on your first rental!

Car RentalDerek CookOctober 7, 2015Silvercar, Audi, Chase Sapphire Preferred, car rental, shopping portal, TopCashback.com