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TPG Talks episode seven: Credit card strategy during COVID-19

Richard Kerr
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Richard Kerr is the Loyalty and Engagement Editor for The Points Guy focused on creating content that educates and empowers TPG readers.
May 30, 2020
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3 min read
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With travel at a slow down and plenty of credit card benefits going unused, now is the time to audit your credit card portfolio and reassess what should be in your wallet. On this week's TPG Talks webinar, we were joined by Credit Cards Editor Benét Wilson and Points & Miles Editor Ariana Arghandewal.

Benet and Arianna shared a recap of all the changes to credit card bonus categories, including what you should consider before closing or opening cards as well as specific card recommendations — to perhaps put in the sock drawer or add to your wallet. We concluded by looking into the future of the card industry. If you've been wondering how all of the changes to card benefits and perks should affect your wallet, make sure you watch the replay of this week's talk:

Show Notes

  • 6:25 - Recap of Recent Credit Card Changes and Relief including New Bonus Categories and Waived Annual Fees
  • 12:50 - Things to Think About Before Changing Cards
  • 15:15 - What Happens if You Get a Refund to a Canceled Card
  • 16:51 - Considerations for Getting a New Card
  • 22:58 - Card Recommendations
  • 27:09 - Cards to Use to Book Future Travel
  • 28:40 - Great Sign Up Bonuses Right Now
  • 31:15 - Cards for Beginners
  • 35:01 - The Future of the Credit Card Industry
  • 38:01 - Panelists Personal Comfort on Traveling Now
  • 40:50 - Clarifications on Downgrading and Upgrading Cards
  • 42:36 - Chase Sapphire Preferred (CSP) vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve (CSR)
  • 45:42 - Trip Protection Coverages
  • 48:19 - How to Manage Multiple Cards
  • 50:37 - Timing Credit Card Applications
  • 51:57 - Maximizing Authorized Users
  • 53:56 - Understanding Your Credit Score
  • 54:20 - Closing Thoughts

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Bottom Line

TPG Talks is a series of live webinars hosted by team members from The Points Guy, covering various aspects of the travel, credit card and loyalty industries. Join from anywhere in the world on any device to learn tips and tricks that’ll get you closer to your next dream vacation.

For a list of previous sessions, visit our TPG Talks hub page, or click on any of the links below for individual recaps:

Featured image by Getty Images

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Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
NEW BENEFIT! TAKEOFF15!

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TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

3XEarn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
2XEarn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
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    Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

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  • Annual Fee

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  • Recommended Credit
    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    670-850
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Why We Chose It

Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.

Pros

  • Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
  • Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
  • Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
  • First checked bag free

Cons

  • Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
  • SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
  • Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
  • Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
  • Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
  • New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
  • Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
  • Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
  • Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • $250 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees