After spending time researching the best options for my 2027 credit portfolio, I landed at the best combination of cards I could come up with given the banking constraints in the market today. Part of the problem with U.S. credit cards is that they are mostly geared to the U.S. based partners.
For hotels, U.S. cards have relationships with the big hotel chains like Marriott, Hyatt, and Hilton but little to none with European chains like Accor or Asian chains. The same is true with airlines, U.S. cards have relationships with United, American and Delta but nothing in Europe or Asia.
Citibank was the only bank that has *some* level of partnerships with Asian businesses so that’s become my goto card followed by IHG from Chase. I also have a legacy Marriott Amex Bonvoy card that will be my primary for Marriott stays.
Combining these credit cards with the hotel chain strategy below should offer tremendous cost value. In some cases, breakfast will be free, in other cases, hotel stays will be free and with status on these chains I’ll be eligible for upgrades to suites when available.
I have an entire ecosystem now thanks to AI that blends Rakuten Rebates+Credit Card Points+Air/Hotel Status . I currently have AI agents checking everyday for cheap airfare in economy and business class.
Some of these cards have large purchase requirements to get points too but I’ve got that covered with my Black Friday shopping list, and upcoming property taxes on my home which I always charge on credit card. I also have travel planned for December to the Eastern Hemisphere and will be charging air, hotel, meals and other expenses.
It has been a pain to change out the credit card account number on all my billable services but I only need to do it once a year so it is bearable.
Of course the most important thing is to ensure I’m getting the best value because sometimes a non-branded hotel can offer similar or better value than these chains so that’s something else I have AI evaluate for me before I book. For example, is an Accor branded hotel room at $100/night w/free breakfast better than a local hotel at $50/night with a $20/breakfast fee? Asia has some really great hotels and at very low rates so a lot of the value will depend on the points, intangibles and amenities. The only way to sort it out without spending hours of my time is to use AI!
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Are you using AI to optimize your travel, credit cards and status yet?