Credit Cards Archives

American Express to Delta, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 19, 2007
I know you can transfer American Express points to Delta Skymiles point, but can you do the opposite - transfer Skymiles to AmEx points? Thanks for your time.... [Read on]

Expiring points, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 19, 2007
I love your website and your articles -- thanks! Question: I generally travel a "fair" amount -- approx 75-100K miles per year (to me, that's a fair amount). Over time, I've saved up (and used) a lot of FF miles... [Read on]

Missing credit card points, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 19, 2007
I'm a frequent flyer with USAirways. I recently applied for, received and used a Bank of America USAirways credit card. (In Jan. I should have received 20,000 points). Unfortunately, none of my points have posted, with each company saying it... [Read on]

The Best Credit Card Mileage Program, Answered by The Penny Pincher on February 02, 2006
Joel, Which credit card mileage point program do you consider to be the best? Thanks for your time and wisdom! Jes... [Read on]

Transferring Credit Card Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on February 02, 2006
Dear Joel, Can I transfer miles from an Emirates card to either BA or a United card? Best. Thanks. Jim... [Read on]

MBNA College Mastercard, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 03, 2006
Hello I have an MBNA College Mastercard (University of Puerto Rico Ex-Alumni Association) and was wondering if it offers auto rental insurance. Thanks. Al... [Read on]

Eye-Opening, Answered by The Penny Pincher on June 18, 2005
Mr. Widzer, I just wanted to take a moment to let you know that your Passport to Luxury Travel book has completely changed my outlook on travel. Thanks to your advice, I will be earning Platinum level status in just... [Read on]

College Credit Card, Answered by The Penny Pincher on May 28, 2005
Hi, I am a recent college graduate looking to acquire a card for air miles. This is almost solely for the miles, so I'd like a card that gives the most miles and perhaps has double/triple point capability. I am... [Read on]

Getting a Good Seat, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 13, 2005
My husband and I have been loyal credit card holders of the AA Visa for a number of years. Our jobs do not involve much travel (I am a school counselor and he is a project manager for a public... [Read on]

Overseas Credit, Answered by The Penny Pincher on November 05, 2004
Hi Joel, This question relates to a previously asked question. We plan to go to New Zealand for 30 days in March/April and will be renting a Veh. They accept MASTERCARD as payment but will my MASTERCARD cover the insurance... [Read on]

Medical Emergencies, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 28, 2004
Recently in the National Geographic Traveler magazine there was a reference to Medjet Assistance. I have reviewed their web site but would like some feedback as to their reputation, etc. Thank you. Art... [Read on]

Credit Card Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 28, 2004
Dear Joel, I read about your "conquests" of the airline industry with great admiration. I am stuck in a rather uncommon spot, and would truly value your advice. I am a member of Singapore Airlines' Krisflyer FFP, and have around... [Read on]

Charging It, Answered by The Penny Pincher on July 11, 2004
I have several hundred thousand American Express points that I would like to turn into two non-stop first class tickets to France, Italy, Switzerland, or Germany from San Francisco. My Rewards guidebook only lists economy or business class packages. Can... [Read on]

Credit Card for Greece, Answered by The Penny Pincher on July 01, 2004
Hi. I was wondering what would be the best credit card to get if I want to earn miles that I can use for international flights. We try to travel to Greece every year so I want a miles card... [Read on]

Using Credit Card Points, Answered by The Penny Pincher on May 27, 2004
My fiancé and I are wondering if his mother can use her air miles (from Visa credit card) to buy a ticket for him. If so, how is that done since the airline ticket would not be issued in the... [Read on]

Platinum Coverage, Answered by The Penny Pincher on April 23, 2004
Dear Joel, I don't have any car insurance since I am currently living overseas. I have a U.S. Citi Platinum Select Master Card (that provides car rental insurance coverage). I plan to rent a car for my trip in the... [Read on]

Head-Banging Choice for Credit Cards, Answered by The Penny Pincher on March 22, 2004
Joel, I am looking to get the best credit card, and of course it's like banging your head against a wall. I have my own business, have outstanding debts on other credit cards, so looking for 0% on transfers, and... [Read on]

Choosing the Right Credit Card, Answered by The Penny Pincher on March 10, 2004
Hi Joel, I spend $50,000 per year or more via credit cards. I use AmEx for most, but some vendors won't accept it. I'm bewildered by the credit card offerings available because I'm unable to get all the facts and... [Read on]

Credit Denied, Answered by The Penny Pincher on March 10, 2004
Hi Joel, On recent international travel, my credit card company cut off my access to credit due to "suspicious activity". After I called to explain that I was traveling on vacation in Italy, they cut it off again anyway. Their... [Read on]

Virgin Atlantic Credit Card, Answered by The Penny Pincher on February 02, 2004
What is the best [UK] credit card for air miles on Virgin? Thanks, Daye... [Read on]

Backpacking in Europe, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 20, 2004
My boyfirend and I would like to do the backpacking thing in W. Europe (mainly the U.K., France, Spain, and Amsterdam) this summer and we are looking for the best deals on airfare and hostel stays. I would like to... [Read on]

Debit Cards & Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 19, 2004
I was wondering if you know of any secured credit cards that also offer frequent flyer miles? I have only recently resolved my credit issues and know I won't qualify unless it's secured, but I love to travel and really... [Read on]

Business Credit Card, Answered by The Penny Pincher on January 19, 2004
I am looking for a business credit card that will earn me the most miles to apply towards travel with all airlines. Is there such a credit card that works with all the airlines? Thank you. Susan... [Read on]

Poor Credit Card Service, Answered by The Penny Pincher on December 03, 2003
Hi Joel, I have decided to close my BofA checking and credit card accounts due to poor service. However, I have approximately 300,000 unused miles remaining on Alaska's Mileage Plan. My questions are: 1. Will I loose the mileage if... [Read on]

Family Travel, Answered by The Penny Pincher on November 06, 2003
My family of 4 adults and 1 child is considering a trip to Bombay India next year. I am looking for ways to cut expenses and have started to look into these credit cards that offer frequent flyer miles. Could... [Read on]

How to choose the right credit card for new frequent fliers., Answered by The Penny Pincher on November 06, 2003
I am new to this and need advice to get the right credit card for frequent flyer miles, as I travel all over US and North America.... [Read on]

Credit card for travel miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 10, 2003
We are planning on going to Hawaii in DEC. 2004 or Jan 2005. I'm interested in getting a credit card for travel miles. I will be building a new home spring of 2004 so I thought that I could use... [Read on]

Frequent flier miles to Hawaii, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 10, 2003
Do you know what credit cards offer frequent flier miles that can be used to get to Hawaii?... [Read on]

Credit Card and Miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 10, 2003
Which credit card is the best to earn miles? We want to take our family is Israel next year. 3 adults, one 10 year old. Any advice?... [Read on]

Credit card for international miles, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 10, 2003
You had a similar answer to a question from "Roger" who inquired about a credit card for international miles and just one airline. I am interested in a credit card whereby accumulated miles could be redeemed across many airlines, mostly... [Read on]

Foreign transaction fees for credit cards, Answered by The Penny Pincher on October 10, 2003
Are there any Credit cards that do not charge extra for foreign charges? Thanks Rod... [Read on]

Credit Card insurance coverage, Answered by The Penny Pincher on September 02, 2003
Hi I have a Hawaiian Airlines Platinum card. Do you know if this card covers car rental insurance when I use it to rent a car or is it recommended to take the insurance from the rental place (using the card to... [Read on]