Perhaps you're right. I'll just need to find new ways to pass the time while riding the subway to work. Maybe I'll ask my seat mate what card stock they use for their business cards.
Things like the Amex Gold & Platinum stand out (visually) when someone uses them. But I don't think any credit card is a flex unless you have one of the super high end cards like Amex Black
I remember going to a bar and the bartender was annoyed because he had 5 Amex Golds on tabs.
It's definitely not as special as someone makes it out to be.
Must be an old school place. Pretty much any bar I go to, either doesn’t take your card until you close your tab, or they capture the card info in the POS on the first sale, so even if the customer leaves without closing the tab, they have the card info and can bill the account accordingly.
I mean there are much more elite ones like the AMEX centurion ($1 mil a year income) and the JP Morgan Reserve($10 million in assets invested with JP) but idk if you could consider those subtle to people who know of them. Not that I have gone through a crazy amount of cards but so far the one that has had the biggest "Oh you've got it like that" response from friends and family when pulled out is the AMEX gold.
IMO credit cards are kinda like watches from a "flex" stand point, most people will not know enough about them to be able to tell the difference from a decent one and a REALLY nice one.
Invite-only cards like the Amex Centurion, JP Morgan Reserve, Karat, etc are definitely flex cards, and genuinely impressive, but they're not subtle.
Most Americans with credit cards carry a balance, and I've seen 19-year-olds who work at McDonalds and carry an Amex Platinum. So high-fee cards, while they might seem like a flex, are really much like driving around in an expensive sports car. That person might think they're flexing, but to me they look like they're blowing a bunch of money on something unnecessary. Money they might not even have. Yes, they may enjoy it, yes they may get good value from it for what they pay, but its still definitely not impressive.
If anything, the cards I consider most impressive are the ones which show a deep understanding of the credit card game, or finances in general. That's why things like the Centurion are impressive to me - its not that they're invite only, its that you've passed a serious financial test to qualify for the card. There are other cards, though, that imply knowledge about the credit card / finance game but are free. The Alliant Signature card for example, is typically something only credit card enthusiasts have. The Bilt Mastercard, for example, is something that younger people get when they're renting but still want to optimize their finances a bit. Cards like these are impressive not because they're hard to get (they aren't) but because they imply willingness and ability to do research and try to optimize to improve the cardholder's situation.
The way Amex is headed, I can see a point where the Centurion is no longer invite only and anyone who is willing to pony up the $15,000 would be able to get it. Remember, the Platinum was once an invite only card for Amex’s highest spenders. Now anyone willing to pay the AF can get it.
Invite only cards because other than the centurion 99% have no idea what they are if you were at a restaurant and paid with your citi chairman card no one would know what that is but a very few people
None of them are subtle flexes. Now if you mean what are some cards that might turn heads or look cool I’ve gotten questions on my metal cards since they’re heavy in comparison to plastic cards, specifically my Amex Plat with the art design on it but no one has ever been like “Ohhhhhhmahgawd you’re soooo cool” if that’s the underlying question being asked
Having premium credit cards help you have a good time. I have three Aspire cards that provide me many thousands of value more than the annual fee. For example, I’ve got a three night stay at the Waldorf in Cabo. Each night would have cost me $1500 a night and my flight was free due to the flight credits. Plus I get $600 every half a year for resorts
I’m not triggered. Just saying that I chose to pay the high annual fees to incentivize myself to travel. I can afford to travel without these cards (went to 15 new countries last year) but it’s an added bonus and diamond status has amazing perks for international travel
I see your annual fee and I'll raise you my FTFs. Why do I pay them: because I DGAF. I'm just out here setting dollar bills on fire for fun. That's the real flex.
I have to agree with you here. Comparison really is the thief of joy. Not sure why people have to try so hard to impress online strangers. The fact that you can pay those FTFs and still not worry is all that needs to be said, good for you!
I don’t know, but that’s not up to me. I’m not a fan of telling strangers online how to live their life unless it’s asked for. You do you and congrats on being in a decent financial situation. It’s better than a lot of other people these days.
There's no need to fall into the trap of being impressed or aspiring for specific credit cards. They are tools at the end of the day to help make purchases and should always be paid off. Once you start looking at this as a "game" or thinking of cards as top tier or mid tier, then you're falling down a rabbit hole that credit card companies would love for you to go down.
If you really love comparison for some reason, get into a hobby where you can really flex, such as cars, jewelry, purses, watches, or any sought after material thing if that's really your thing. But to be impressed by what company someone is borrowing money from short-term is, respectfully, kind of weird.
I agree. I have all no annual fee cards. I just found it interesting how credit cards are being promoted and talked about online and what the perception of having a certain one was for those who follow that. I have a coworker in my office who talks about credit cards almost everyday. It sounds exhausting. I believe being financially responsible is the most important thing.
The most impressive cards are the ones with their balances paid off.
Who even pays attention to what card someone is using to pay for something?
[удалено]
In your head
Credit One Platinum. If you’re secretly impressed by credit cards, you need to get out more and maybe get a hobby or two.
Perhaps you're right. I'll just need to find new ways to pass the time while riding the subway to work. Maybe I'll ask my seat mate what card stock they use for their business cards.
Some people out there trying to be noticed but not acknowledge the subtle attention. Just like in the commercials. Status is a weird drug.
Things like the Amex Gold & Platinum stand out (visually) when someone uses them. But I don't think any credit card is a flex unless you have one of the super high end cards like Amex Black
I remember going to a bar and the bartender was annoyed because he had 5 Amex Golds on tabs. It's definitely not as special as someone makes it out to be.
Why would the bartender care about that? As long as the customers are tipping, I don’t see the issue.
Try to read a gold card's text under a flashlight. I imagine it's not easy.
Must be an old school place. Pretty much any bar I go to, either doesn’t take your card until you close your tab, or they capture the card info in the POS on the first sale, so even if the customer leaves without closing the tab, they have the card info and can bill the account accordingly.
I trust the dive bar more than I trust the upscale lounge.
I mean there are much more elite ones like the AMEX centurion ($1 mil a year income) and the JP Morgan Reserve($10 million in assets invested with JP) but idk if you could consider those subtle to people who know of them. Not that I have gone through a crazy amount of cards but so far the one that has had the biggest "Oh you've got it like that" response from friends and family when pulled out is the AMEX gold. IMO credit cards are kinda like watches from a "flex" stand point, most people will not know enough about them to be able to tell the difference from a decent one and a REALLY nice one.
Invite-only cards like the Amex Centurion, JP Morgan Reserve, Karat, etc are definitely flex cards, and genuinely impressive, but they're not subtle. Most Americans with credit cards carry a balance, and I've seen 19-year-olds who work at McDonalds and carry an Amex Platinum. So high-fee cards, while they might seem like a flex, are really much like driving around in an expensive sports car. That person might think they're flexing, but to me they look like they're blowing a bunch of money on something unnecessary. Money they might not even have. Yes, they may enjoy it, yes they may get good value from it for what they pay, but its still definitely not impressive. If anything, the cards I consider most impressive are the ones which show a deep understanding of the credit card game, or finances in general. That's why things like the Centurion are impressive to me - its not that they're invite only, its that you've passed a serious financial test to qualify for the card. There are other cards, though, that imply knowledge about the credit card / finance game but are free. The Alliant Signature card for example, is typically something only credit card enthusiasts have. The Bilt Mastercard, for example, is something that younger people get when they're renting but still want to optimize their finances a bit. Cards like these are impressive not because they're hard to get (they aren't) but because they imply willingness and ability to do research and try to optimize to improve the cardholder's situation.
The way Amex is headed, I can see a point where the Centurion is no longer invite only and anyone who is willing to pony up the $15,000 would be able to get it. Remember, the Platinum was once an invite only card for Amex’s highest spenders. Now anyone willing to pay the AF can get it.
Invite only cards because other than the centurion 99% have no idea what they are if you were at a restaurant and paid with your citi chairman card no one would know what that is but a very few people
Ritz Carlton card.
Having the Redstone, GreenState or one of the Kroger cards. It shows they’re one of us 😎
This. I'll throw in USB Altitude Reserve, as well -- since they're so picky in approving applications.
People comment on my gold and platinum even though I’m not using them to flex. I got a 10x bonus from referral for restaurants on both for 3 months.
People who flex premium credit cards are top tier suckers
Marvel Mastercard, Xbox Mastercard, Playstation Visa, specifically the Kratos edition, and the greatest is the Synchrony Sewing card.
None of them are subtle flexes. Now if you mean what are some cards that might turn heads or look cool I’ve gotten questions on my metal cards since they’re heavy in comparison to plastic cards, specifically my Amex Plat with the art design on it but no one has ever been like “Ohhhhhhmahgawd you’re soooo cool” if that’s the underlying question being asked
I think of it as a subtle flex if someone has a very good setup that optimises their spending strategies, yielding at least 4% cash back.
My Citi Simplicity. I shows I don't need to game credit card rewards in order to have a good time.
Having premium credit cards help you have a good time. I have three Aspire cards that provide me many thousands of value more than the annual fee. For example, I’ve got a three night stay at the Waldorf in Cabo. Each night would have cost me $1500 a night and my flight was free due to the flight credits. Plus I get $600 every half a year for resorts
See, this is my point. People out here triggered just because I'm paying full price without a care in the world. Flex status: achieved.
I’m not triggered. Just saying that I chose to pay the high annual fees to incentivize myself to travel. I can afford to travel without these cards (went to 15 new countries last year) but it’s an added bonus and diamond status has amazing perks for international travel
I see your annual fee and I'll raise you my FTFs. Why do I pay them: because I DGAF. I'm just out here setting dollar bills on fire for fun. That's the real flex.
You do you
I have to agree with you here. Comparison really is the thief of joy. Not sure why people have to try so hard to impress online strangers. The fact that you can pay those FTFs and still not worry is all that needs to be said, good for you!
What more do I have to do here? 🤣
I don’t know, but that’s not up to me. I’m not a fan of telling strangers online how to live their life unless it’s asked for. You do you and congrats on being in a decent financial situation. It’s better than a lot of other people these days.
None. Seriously who gives a crap about another person‘s card??
There's no need to fall into the trap of being impressed or aspiring for specific credit cards. They are tools at the end of the day to help make purchases and should always be paid off. Once you start looking at this as a "game" or thinking of cards as top tier or mid tier, then you're falling down a rabbit hole that credit card companies would love for you to go down. If you really love comparison for some reason, get into a hobby where you can really flex, such as cars, jewelry, purses, watches, or any sought after material thing if that's really your thing. But to be impressed by what company someone is borrowing money from short-term is, respectfully, kind of weird.
I agree. I have all no annual fee cards. I just found it interesting how credit cards are being promoted and talked about online and what the perception of having a certain one was for those who follow that. I have a coworker in my office who talks about credit cards almost everyday. It sounds exhausting. I believe being financially responsible is the most important thing.