Born and raised in Los Angeles, Stephen has been privileged to enjoy many premium cabin products and 5-star hotels.
As one of the foremost experts in credit cards, over the past 4 years, he has amassed a portfolio of over 70 credit cards, both personal and business. Stephen has personally tested, first-hand, almost every major rewards credit card on the market today, spanning banks such as American Express, Bank of America, Barclays, Brex, Capital One, Chase, Citi, City National Bank, U.S. Bank, and more.
Stephen’s work has been showcased multiple times in leading publications, including The Washington Post, U.S. News, Yahoo! News, and CreditCards.com.
His company, Au Points and Awards Consulting Services (AuPACS, pronounced OW-PAX), focuses on building ultra-customized credit card plans and curating points-funded dream vacations for clients, primarily business owners and even corporations. AuPACS has booked 200+ trips for its clients, both business and leisure vacations. AuPACS currently books 4 to 6 business class flights per day for clients with a yearly volume of $4 million in points travel booked.
Stephen also guides his clients through the best credit cards for their individual situations. In fact, he has helped his clients amass an average of 500,000 additional points every year, thanks to his innovative, proven credit card optimization methodology. To date, Stephen’s clients at AuPACS have booked over $3.5 million in luxury points travel aboard products like Emirates first class, Etihad First Class Apartments, Cathay Pacific first class, and more.
In addition, he is also a specialist in helping cash-strapped business owners consolidate and reduce high-interest debt. Stephen’s business owner clients include medical practice owners, software entrepreneurs, construction and real estate developers, e-commerce CEOs, private equity fund managers, chiropractic specialists, wealth management offices, and more.
Stephen understands that the subject of redemptions, often known as the most difficult part of points optimization, can be overwhelming. His technical background enabled him to create a data-driven process that helps his clients find the most efficient use of points within their parameters.
When he isn’t building relationships, Stephen is also a third-wave coffeepreneur and owns a product wholesale business.
You can follow Stephen and his travels on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Countries Visited: 24
U.S. States Visited: 22
Highest Hotel Status: Hilton Honors Diamond and Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite
Highest Airline Status: American AAdvantage Platinum Pro
Favorite Airline Alliance: Oneworld
Favorite Airlines: American Airlines — favorite domestic airline as they continue to offer a distinct product for ultra-premium first class passengers through Flagship First class; Air France — fantastic product with good award availability, an excellent all-around European airline when using points; Singapore Airlines — excellent business and first class products with reasonable award availability at a fair price with low taxes and fees
Favorite First Class: Cathay Pacific (777) for its spa lounges, cabanas, classic Hong Kong luxury, and the widest first class seat in the world
Favorite Business Class: EVA Air (777) for its Rimowa amenities, pajamas, amazing food, and top-notch service
Best Redemption Value: 25 cents per point flying in ANA first class
Favorite Type of Points: American Express Membership Rewards
Top 3 Cards in Wallet: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, and The Platinum Card® from American Express
