In this episode of the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast, host Justin Vacula discusses American Express strategies for 2025 with guest Stephan Krasowski, recorded live at the 2024 Chicago Seminars in Elk Grove Village.

They delve into optimal ways to utilize Amex points, miles, benefits, and rewards, including tips on upgrading and downgrading cards, maximizing Amex offers, and ensuring spend thresholds for substantial rewards.

Additional discussions include strategies for new users, retention offers, leveraging community knowledge, and specific Amex card recommendations. They also touch upon broader topics like balancing risk in the points and miles hobby, and sharing anecdotes from their travel and financial journeys.

00:00 Introduction to the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

00:49 Upcoming Events and Announcements

02:41 Live Podcast at Chicago Seminars

03:11 American Express Strategies and Insights

05:07 Navigating Credit Card Risks and Rewards

15:45 Maximizing Hotel and Travel Benefits

25:58 Managing Credit Card Slots and Offers

27:56 Optimizing American Express Benefits

28:56 Advanced Amex Strategies and Delta Cards

29:44 Navigating No Lifetime Language Offers

29:57 Maximizing Delta Reserve Business Upgrades

30:30 Creative Spending and Gift Card Strategies

36:38 Exploring Obscure Credit Card Issuers

47:19 Retention Offers and Downgrading Strategies

49:16 Final Q&A and Closing Remarks

--

Main website, including episode transcripts: https://hurdygurdytravelpodcast.com

Referral links: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/donate-referral-links/

Join me for in-person meetups I host in Willow Grove, PA: https://www.meetup.com/phillymilesandpoints/

SubscribeStar: https://www.subscribestar.com/hurdy-gurdy-travel

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/hurdygurdytravelpodcast

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast/id1489093490

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8EcIcoNU1HK4KKhQtTkAWw

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/hurdy-gurdy-travel-podcast

Google Play: https://www.play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/l5bmuntd4wpvtklvg42ejg42ejg4apiu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HurdyGurdyTravelPodcast

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HGTravelPodcast

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/justinvacula

Copy and paste the podcast RSS feed -- http://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:706382626/sounds.rss -- to listen on your favorite podcast-playing platform!