Celine Dion: The Inspiration For 'The Points Guy'

Summary

Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy, discusses the origin of his points-and-travel business and shares his personal credit card strategy with Scarlet Fu and Tom Keene. He argues for always using credit cards over cash and names Bilt Palladium as his default card. He also says premium cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve can justify their annual fees, while no-annual-fee cards often waste value for heavy spenders.

• Brian Kelly credits Celine Dion's song 'Taking Chances' for inspiring him to quit Morgan Stanley and start The Points Guy.
• He recommends always using credit cards rather than paying cash to earn rewards.
• Kelly says he carries about 30 credit cards and uses Bilt Palladium as his default card.
• He likes Bilt Palladium because it earns two points on everything and can earn points on rent or mortgage payments.
• He says Chase Sapphire Reserve's $795 annual fee is more than offset by credits such as StubHub and travel.
• He warns that premium cards like Amex Platinum only pay off if credits are actively used and linked.
• He argues that no-annual-fee credit cards can be a huge waste for people who spend a lot.