Looking for some insight, from others that have been stationed in Japan or other places in Asia specifically, to upgrade my current credit cards to the best option while stationed overseas to utilize points and/or rewards.
I have been been stationed in Japan for a few years now and travel a bit when I can, mainly in Japan.
Current credit cards I utilize:
Chase Southwest RR premier card Visa – (use this card for 99% of purchases) fee is waived.
Navy federal more rewards American Express – (use this only for Suica charging since visa and Apple Pay doesn’t work for me anymore to charge it)
Navy federal debit card – (only for atm withdrawal and emergency use credit card if everything else fails).
Currently on waitlist for Robinhood Gold credit card that gives cash back to my brokerage account – plan to use this card along with a new card for majority of purchases.
Chase Southwest card has been good for mainly flying and using the points while I was in the states prior to joining active military and while traveling when I was stationed briefly Conus. I have racked up quite a bit of points where I could fly southwest for free for several flights even if I stop using it. However I would like to upgrade to another card to utilize rewards or benefits for travel around Japan and possibly around Asia as well.
I have buddies with Amex cards (gold/platinum ) and recommend those. Been told USAA for on base purchases (I do shop on base but mainly buy food, groceries, hygiene, home stuff, off base).
Been told specific airline credit cards (United, delta, AA) which I think would be better than the southwest card as they have upgrades from economy to premium or business as southwest only has economy seats with certain perks for boarding and etc.
TLDR: looking for best cc while stationed oconus in Japan. Mainly for points, rewards, traveling. Currently have 2 visa and 1 American Express cards.
Best Credit Card for OCONUS?
byu/Vonnanstine inMilitaryFinance
Posted by Vonnanstine
2 Comments
X1 gold is a solid choice as I have the regular X1 and it’s points system has a lot to offer. No foreign transaction fees is the biggest win. The points bonuses each week are also nice.
If you’re in Japan, chances are you’ll fly United more and the chase united club card would be a decent choice for the SUB and lounge access. American Airlines cards won’t waive annual fees.
There’s the usual CSR and Amex choices. Wait for the max subs. Also hotel cards… Marriott, Hilton, IHG, and Hyatt.
For on base, just do the X1 gold. The USAA cash back is meh, especially when you can get a Fidelity visa with 2% back if you’re willing to open a separate account.
Get the chase sapphire reserve. From what I hear, AMEX is the best, but lots of places OCONUS don’t take it.
That’s why I got the sapphire. Because I’m moving to Italy.