Credit Card Recap: Out with the old, and 2025 plans for the new!
As a frequent traveler and savvy credit card user, I’ve made strategic moves in 2024 to maximize my rewards, minimize fees, and enhance my travel experiences. Now, I’m looking ahead to 2025 with an eye on optimizing my wallet even further. Here’s a recap of the cards I used this year, what worked, and what I’m planning for the coming year, and before you begin wondering why, as a travel agent, I’d give away these secrets, it’s quite simple! These trips and tricks can you maximize your spend and experience! I have helped many clients who utilize points, and I am happy to do so, so without further ado, let’s jump into it!
- Capital One Venture vs. Venture X
In 2024, the Capital One Venture card served me well, but I’m seriously considering an upgrade to the Venture X card in 2025 to get a bit more value.
Here’s why:
- Lounge Access: Both the Venture X and the Chase Sapphire Reserve offer access to Priority Pass lounges. However, the Venture X includes access to Capital One’s exclusive lounges as well.
- Annual Fee: At $395, the Venture X’s annual fee is significantly lower than the $550 fee for the Chase Sapphire Reserve. This makes it an attractive choice for a high-tier travel card.
- Travel Benefits: The Venture X offers an annual $300 travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel and 10,000 anniversary miles (valued at $100), effectively reducing the fee to $95 if you utilize these perks.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Sapphire Preferred
After years with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, I’m leaning toward downgrading to the Sapphire Preferred in 2025, or even opting for one of the FREE Chase cards that would still allow me to have access to the portal and earn points. Here’s my rationale:
- Cost Savings: The Sapphire Preferred’s $95 annual fee is much lower than the Reserve’s $550 fee, making it a more economical option. In addition, as stated above, the Capital One Venture X would still give me the lounge access that I love, but for a lower cost.
- Chase Travel Portal: I still value the flexibility and earning potential of the Chase travel portal, which makes downgrading a better choice than outright canceling the card.
- Credit Impact: By downgrading instead of canceling, my line of credit remains intact, preserving my credit utilization ratio and score, since this is my oldest credit card.
- Southwest Plus vs. Priority
Flying Southwest frequently has made the Southwest Plus card a solid addition to my wallet. In fact, I just earned myself about 6k points in the past two months thanks to the 7x grocery and food limited time earnings offer – it was such a quick way to get myself over 10k in Rapid Rewards points! However, I’m considering an upgrade to the Southwest Priority card in 2025:
- Justifiable Fee: The Priority card’s $149 annual fee is offset by a $75 annual travel credit and four upgraded boarding positions per year, something that the $69 Priority Plus card does not offer.
- Anniversary Points: The additional anniversary points provide further value, especially since I often fly Southwest for domestic travel.
Southwest currently has a very generous sign-up bonus! You could earn up to a $400 credit, and up to 80k Rapid Rewards points by applying for one of many cards here!
- IHG Premier Credit Card
I picked up the IHG Premier Credit Card this year thanks to an elevated sign-up offer of five free nights. Here’s why I’ll keep it for at least another year:
- Annual Fee: At $99, the fee is reasonable considering the card’s perks.
- Ongoing Benefits: It offers a free anniversary night at eligible IHG properties, plus Platinum Elite status, which includes benefits like room upgrades and late checkout.
Although the sign on bonus is not quite as high as when I snagged it, it’s still quite generous, with up to 4 nights free for the IHG Premier Card, and up to 140k bonus points for the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Card. Click here to check out your offer!
- Wyndham Rewards Earner+ Card
My most recent addition, the Wyndham Rewards Earner+ Card, impressed me with its sign-up bonus of up to 10 free nights. Here’s why I’ll hold onto it:
- Annual Fee: The $75 fee is easily offset by the value of free nights.
- Earning Potential: The card earns 6x points on Wyndham stays, 4x on gas and dining, and 2x on everything else, making it versatile for everyday spending.
- AAdvantage Aviator Red Card
The AAdvantage Aviator Red Card has been a reliable choice for my American Airlines flights. While I initially signed up for the elevated points offer, I’ve kept it for these reasons:
- Travel Perks: Free checked baggage for up to four travelers and priority boarding pay for the $99 annual fee in a single trip.
- Transition to Citibank: The card is moving from Barclays to Citibank in 2025, and while the new benefits aren’t yet clear, I’ll be watching closely to decide its future in my wallet.
- Amazon Prime Visa Card
Not a travel card, but the Amazon Prime Visa Card has been invaluable for everyday purchases:
- No Annual Fee: As long as you have an Amazon Prime membership, there’s no additional fee.
- Generous Rewards: Earn 5% back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, 2% back at restaurants and gas stations, and 1% back everywhere else.
- Sign-Up Bonus: An instant Amazon gift card upon approval sweetens the deal. Click here to snag yours now!
Looking Ahead to 2025
In 2025, my focus will be on streamlining my cards to maximize rewards without overpaying in annual fees. Upgrading to the Capital One Venture X and shifting away from the Chase Sapphire Reserve is highly likely, as well as upgrading my Southwest Card. I’ll also carefully monitor changes to the AAdvantage Aviator Red card to ensure it continues to deliver value. I will be branching out with business credit cards to continue to gain access to elevated sign on bonuses, and continue to take advantage of the rotating offer bonuses to maximize points.
By continuously reevaluating my cards, I’m able to optimize my travel experiences while keeping my costs in check. If you’re looking for a travel agent who can help you find a way to make your cards work harder for you, I’d love to help you craft a personalized strategy. Let’s make 2025 a year of rewarding travels!
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