Here’s What To Expect If You’ve Lost a Debit Card Abroad

May 2, 2017 Erica Ho 1 minute read

Count those blessings if you have Wells Fargo. Now about the other banks.

Features Loyalty Money Plastic

This Is Exactly How Much Money the Chase Sapphire Reserve Makes Off You

February 16, 2017 Erica Ho 3 minute read

There is no such thing as a free trip. Hold the presses!

Airlines Loyalty Money Plastic Reference Charts

The Credit Cards You Should Pick Based on Airline Frequent Flyer Program

November 2, 2016 Erica Ho 5 minute read

Bla bla bla Chase Sapphire Reserve. But kinda pointless if you’re an Emirates flyer.

Plastic Travel

The One Hack That Will Save You Hundreds While Traveling

May 3, 2016 SmarterTravel 1 minute read

Things I hate: Searching for a no-fee ATM, cash-only establishments, and foreign exchange fees. Things I love: Finding a bank that eliminates all of those things.

Money Plastic Sponsored

Battle of the Sexes: Who Manages Their Credit Better and Why?

March 17, 2016 Sponsored Post Less than a minute to read

This sponsored post is brought to you by Credit Sesame.

Credit Sesame recently put together a study that compared the credit profiles of men and women. We wondered which gender has better credit and why.

Hotels Loyalty Money News Plastic Trip Planning

Starwood Ditches the Foreign Transaction Fee (and Other Updates)

August 11, 2015 Catey Condit 1 minute read

The Starwood Preferred Guest American Express card is increasing its annual fee and adding four new benefits today in one fell swoop. The news is that the foreign transaction fee is permanently going.

Hacks Lounges Money Plastic

Can You Just Flash Any Credit Card To Get Lounge Access?

July 14, 2015 Erica Ho 1 minute read

No need to have a working Amex to get lounge access and free beer.

Hotels Loyalty Plastic Travel Uber

SPG Rewards Officially Loves Uber

February 25, 2015 Erica Ho 1 minute read

It’s a good thing at least someone loves Uber, because I don’t love Travis Kalanick, who’s possibly the worst human being on earth. But maybe you love Starwood and free hotel stays!

Flights Loyalty Money Plastic

Why Credit Card Points Aren’t the New Miles

December 17, 2014 Erica Ho 3 minute read

Since United and Delta changed the way miles are earned, everyone has been advocating the nearest credit card as the best way to get points. The math still shows flying is cheaper.

Loyalty Money Opinion Plastic Travel

Why Manufactured Spending Is Irresponsible

October 20, 2014 Erica Ho 3 minute read

Nothing says obsession like creating spreadsheets of the credit cards you’re churning so you can get a chance to fly in Singapore’s suites.

Budget Money Plastic Trip Planning

The Best Credit and Debit Cards for Traveling

August 18, 2014 Karina Martinez-Carter 4 minute read

I think the time when Ben Franklin’s old adage “a penny saved is a penny earned” rings truest is when I’m traveling abroad. ATM and foreign transaction fees just add up too fast.

Money Plastic Travel Trip Planning

Chase’s Purchase Protection Replaces My $700 Phone

June 4, 2014 Erica Ho 3 minute read

Travel credit cards get touted for their benefits all the time, but it’s all moot if they don’t stand up to scrutiny when push comes to shove.

Language Money Plastic Travel Trip Planning

Say It Right: “I Would Like To Pay With Credit Card”

May 20, 2014 Erica Ho Less than a minute to read

Cash is king, but hey you gotta earn those miles somehow right?

Budget Money Plastic Travel Trip Planning

Reader Q: What’s the Best Way To Get Foreign Cash?

May 19, 2014 Map Sherpa 2 minute read

There are so many options to get foreign cash that it can be confusing. Chris wants to know the best and cheapest way to exchange U.S. dollars.

Loyalty Money Plastic Trip Planning

Credit Cards: Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred the Best?

March 26, 2014 Erica Ho 6 minute read

If you follow any travel blog, you probably know that the Chase Sapphire Preferred gets peddled around the most like a cheap whore.

Expat Money Plastic Travel Trip Planning

What’s the Best Bank Account for Traveling?

July 24, 2012 Erica Ho 4 minute read

If you need a bank account before you jump on the nearest space capsule, it’s worth taking a look at Charles Schwab. And ‘cause we like to pit banks against each other in a fight to the death, we choose Bank of America as our sacrificial lamb – so you can see the key differences.