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Why does everyone hate on Co-Branded Cards?
Co-Branded cards get a lot of hate in the points and miles community. They can be valuable if you have brand loyalty with a specific brand. They unfortunately don’t often offer the same flexibility as the flexible points and miles cards offered by Citi, Capital One, Chase, and Amex.
We will tell you, the Old Navy card (or any other store card) has no place in your travel hacking. It will take up a 5/24 place and won’t give you anywhere near the same benefits that a flexible points card will.
Now, if you already have this in your wallet, no need to cancel it, just let it ride. The longevity of some of these cards can really help. I have had a Sam’s card since I was really young that I will have forever.
What are the benefits of Co-Branded Cards?
Co-Branded cards are highly valuable if you are pursuing status within a brand to get status benefits. They also can be great if you have a specific trip planned that you want to utilize a certain hotel or airline for. We have also found them valuable when our company requires us to travel with a certain brand. They do have great benefits, we just put the bulk of our effort towards flexible points cards.
How to Proceed:
If you are planning your vacation to a destination hotel like The Kimpton Seafire on Grand Cayman or the Conrad Bora Bora Nui then there’s a good chance you know the hotel you want your points going towards, and these cards can then be super valuable, and often have elevated sign up offers.
Also, if you live near an airport hub for any airline, that airline’s card may give you valuable benefits if you are flying their airline consistently.
At the end of the day, we love flexible points cards, but these are YOUR points and you get to do with them what YOU want. So proceed how you wish, for the vacation your family wants!
