About Us / My Story

Travelling with Perks

I had the good fortune to work with a Fortune 50 company my entire career. For the latter part of my career I worked primarily in global roles. This enabled me to see the world and appreciate the value of travel. I traveled overseas frequently on the company dime. I stayed at nice hotels, and corporate policy offered business class or better for overseas flights.

I acquired airline status of United 1K, and quickly built up travel points for personal use. I used these points for personal travel around the world as well for my family and me. Free flight upgrades were not uncommon. I boarded early and was one of the first off of the plane. I upgraded my credit card to the American Express platinum, and enjoyed the benefit of having a choice of airport lounges in which to relax, even when only flying domestically

I acquired status with major hotel chains as well. I could check in early, check out late, often received free room upgrades, and sometimes found a treat in my room to snack on as a free gift. In hotels where I more frequently stayed, I was greeted by “Welcome, Mr. Turck!” as I walked in the door.

Frequent travel can be trying and tiring, but enough perks can take the edge off of this, and I had ‘em all.

A Change in Lifestyle

When the pandemic struck, I took advantage of a small incentive to retire early. I was able to focus more time on my family, and with my wife still working, to help out more around the house.

Unfortunately, the status I had earned with the airlines and hotels was gone after a year. Traveling with a family of four quickly burned up the points I had built up over the years. Long distance travel became coach travel because I couldn’t afford business class. I now had to pay for checked luggage. I was boarding flights last, and found myself gate-checking my carry-on bag because luggage bins on the plane were full. Gone were early check-in, late check-out and room upgrades at hotels. I downgraded my Amex card to Gold because I wasn’t traveling enough to justify the cost nor take advantage of the benefits of the Platinum.

I literally felt like, after being at the head of the family table at Thanksgiving, I was being forced to sit at the kids’ table again!

I swore to myself that if there was a way to earn these travel perks again, I would do it!

Climbing Back

I spent months digging into the myriad credit cards available, the benefits of using them, and the offers they use to entice potential cardholders to open accounts with them. I explored how points work, how to best acquire them, and how to best use them. I looked at the best cash back and discount options as well.

I learned a lot, and results have come rather quickly. I began traveling on points again, and I continue accumulating points at a pace enabling continued travel on points. I’m benefitting from as much as 5% cash back, and sometimes even more, on purchases.

I soon found that, when talking with even the savviest of credit card users amongst my friends, I was able to share information that brought value to them; that saved them money or earned them points they did not believe possible.

Max Your Plastic

Max Your Plastic is about extracting maximum value from your credit cards and enjoying the benefits. This website, my blog, and my associated services are about sharing the knowledge I have gained with you. They are designed to find the credit cards that best fit your lifestyle, to help you earn the most points and/or cash back, and to stretch the points you earn as far as they can go. The website and blog are free, and my rates are very reasonable.

My opinions and recommendations are my own. I do not receive compensation from any credit lender, nor am I influenced by them.

I promise I can help you.

Craig Turck

Founder - Max Your Plastic