Best cash back, miles or rewards credit card?

[bearishgurl]

bubble_contagion, under the *new* rules of AMEX Gold (7/1/10), it takes 19K to 24K in points to earn one round trip, depending on the airline. 19K in points (Cont’l/United [for about 1 more year]) does not necessarily equal $19K in purchases. Shopping at some vendors will earn 2x and 3x the points for the dollars that you actually spend, depending on time of year. It is very handy to use on hotel-room and rental-car points as well. Annual fee is $150, waived the 1st year.

There is a Chase Visa currently available that earns Rapid Rewards points on SW Airlines for each dollar spent (16K pts for 1 RT). I got many offers to sign up with 2 RT’s as an initiation but didn’t. Now the offers coming in are for 1 RT as an initiation. The fee is $59 annually, waived the first year.

I have a 10-year old Chase Visa that only offers 1% cash back and only spend about =<$10K a year with it (-<$100 cash back). Your AMEX Blue 2.5% cash-back program is very, very good. If you do a lot of traveling (even road) and buying tix for concerts, etc., having AMEX Gold is absolutely invaluable. You don't even need AAA with it. The majority of AAA services come with the card. It also has its own travel agency for members, contracting with travelocity.com. HOWEVER, AMEX will iron out your disputes if you happen to have any. I've been offered Visa Signature cards as well but turned them down as AMEX Gold is so much better. I'm also eligible to upgrade to an AMEX Platimum but don't think I spend enough $$ to make its $450 annual fee worth my while, and IMHO, based upon your post, I don't feel you do, either.

[Coronita]

[quote=bearishgurl]bubble_contagion, under the *new* rules of AMEX Gold (7/1/10), it takes 19K to 24K in points to earn one round trip, depending on the airline. 19K in points (Cont’l/United [for about 1 more year]) does not necessarily equal $19K in purchases. Shopping at some vendors will earn 2x and 3x the points for the dollars that you actually spend, depending on time of year. It is very handy to use on hotel-room and rental-car points as well. Annual fee is $150, waived the 1st year.

There is a Chase Visa currently available that earns Rapid Rewards points on SW Airlines for each dollar spent (16K pts for 1 RT). I got many offers to sign up with 2 RT’s as an initiation but didn’t. Now the offers coming in are for 1 RT as an initiation. The fee is $59 annually, waived the first year.

I have a 10-year old Chase Visa that only offers 1% cash back and only spend about =<$10K a year with it (-<$100 cash back). Your AMEX Blue 2.5% cash-back program is very, very good. If you do a lot of traveling (even road) and buying tix for concerts, etc., having AMEX Gold is absolutely invaluable. You don't even need AAA with it. The majority of AAA services come with the card. It also has its own travel agency for members, contracting with travelocity.com. HOWEVER, AMEX will iron out your disputes if you happen to have any. I've been offered Visa Signature cards as well but turned them down as AMEX Gold is so much better. I'm also eligible to upgrade to an AMEX Platimum but don't think I spend enough $$ to make its $450 annual fee worth my while, and IMHO, based upon your post, I don't feel you do, either.[/quote] Chase!!!!!!!!!!!!Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! DON'T SAY THAT WORD!!!! 🙂

[Coronita]

[quote=bearishgurl]bubble_contagion, under the *new* rules of AMEX Gold (7/1/10), it takes 19K to 24K in points to earn one round trip, depending on the airline. 19K in points (Cont’l/United [for about 1 more year]) does not necessarily equal $19K in purchases. Shopping at some vendors will earn 2x and 3x the points for the dollars that you actually spend, depending on time of year. It is very handy to use on hotel-room and rental-car points as well. Annual fee is $150, waived the 1st year.

There is a Chase Visa currently available that earns Rapid Rewards points on SW Airlines for each dollar spent (16K pts for 1 RT). I got many offers to sign up with 2 RT’s as an initiation but didn’t. Now the offers coming in are for 1 RT as an initiation. The fee is $59 annually, waived the first year.

I have a 10-year old Chase Visa that only offers 1% cash back and only spend about =<$10K a year with it (-<$100 cash back). Your AMEX Blue 2.5% cash-back program is very, very good. If you do a lot of traveling (even road) and buying tix for concerts, etc., having AMEX Gold is absolutely invaluable. You don't even need AAA with it. The majority of AAA services come with the card. It also has its own travel agency for members, contracting with travelocity.com. HOWEVER, AMEX will iron out your disputes if you happen to have any. I've been offered Visa Signature cards as well but turned them down as AMEX Gold is so much better. I'm also eligible to upgrade to an AMEX Platimum but don't think I spend enough $$ to make its $450 annual fee worth my while, and IMHO, based upon your post, I don't feel you do, either.[/quote] Chase!!!!!!!!!!!!Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! DON'T SAY THAT WORD!!!! 🙂

[Coronita]

[quote=bearishgurl]bubble_contagion, under the *new* rules of AMEX Gold (7/1/10), it takes 19K to 24K in points to earn one round trip, depending on the airline. 19K in points (Cont’l/United [for about 1 more year]) does not necessarily equal $19K in purchases. Shopping at some vendors will earn 2x and 3x the points for the dollars that you actually spend, depending on time of year. It is very handy to use on hotel-room and rental-car points as well. Annual fee is $150, waived the 1st year.

There is a Chase Visa currently available that earns Rapid Rewards points on SW Airlines for each dollar spent (16K pts for 1 RT). I got many offers to sign up with 2 RT’s as an initiation but didn’t. Now the offers coming in are for 1 RT as an initiation. The fee is $59 annually, waived the first year.

I have a 10-year old Chase Visa that only offers 1% cash back and only spend about =<$10K a year with it (-<$100 cash back). Your AMEX Blue 2.5% cash-back program is very, very good. If you do a lot of traveling (even road) and buying tix for concerts, etc., having AMEX Gold is absolutely invaluable. You don't even need AAA with it. The majority of AAA services come with the card. It also has its own travel agency for members, contracting with travelocity.com. HOWEVER, AMEX will iron out your disputes if you happen to have any. I've been offered Visa Signature cards as well but turned them down as AMEX Gold is so much better. I'm also eligible to upgrade to an AMEX Platimum but don't think I spend enough $$ to make its $450 annual fee worth my while, and IMHO, based upon your post, I don't feel you do, either.[/quote] Chase!!!!!!!!!!!!Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! DON'T SAY THAT WORD!!!! 🙂

[Coronita]

[quote=bearishgurl]bubble_contagion, under the *new* rules of AMEX Gold (7/1/10), it takes 19K to 24K in points to earn one round trip, depending on the airline. 19K in points (Cont’l/United [for about 1 more year]) does not necessarily equal $19K in purchases. Shopping at some vendors will earn 2x and 3x the points for the dollars that you actually spend, depending on time of year. It is very handy to use on hotel-room and rental-car points as well. Annual fee is $150, waived the 1st year.

There is a Chase Visa currently available that earns Rapid Rewards points on SW Airlines for each dollar spent (16K pts for 1 RT). I got many offers to sign up with 2 RT’s as an initiation but didn’t. Now the offers coming in are for 1 RT as an initiation. The fee is $59 annually, waived the first year.

I have a 10-year old Chase Visa that only offers 1% cash back and only spend about =<$10K a year with it (-<$100 cash back). Your AMEX Blue 2.5% cash-back program is very, very good. If you do a lot of traveling (even road) and buying tix for concerts, etc., having AMEX Gold is absolutely invaluable. You don't even need AAA with it. The majority of AAA services come with the card. It also has its own travel agency for members, contracting with travelocity.com. HOWEVER, AMEX will iron out your disputes if you happen to have any. I've been offered Visa Signature cards as well but turned them down as AMEX Gold is so much better. I'm also eligible to upgrade to an AMEX Platimum but don't think I spend enough $$ to make its $450 annual fee worth my while, and IMHO, based upon your post, I don't feel you do, either.[/quote] Chase!!!!!!!!!!!!Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! DON'T SAY THAT WORD!!!! 🙂

[Coronita]

[quote=bearishgurl]bubble_contagion, under the *new* rules of AMEX Gold (7/1/10), it takes 19K to 24K in points to earn one round trip, depending on the airline. 19K in points (Cont’l/United [for about 1 more year]) does not necessarily equal $19K in purchases. Shopping at some vendors will earn 2x and 3x the points for the dollars that you actually spend, depending on time of year. It is very handy to use on hotel-room and rental-car points as well. Annual fee is $150, waived the 1st year.

There is a Chase Visa currently available that earns Rapid Rewards points on SW Airlines for each dollar spent (16K pts for 1 RT). I got many offers to sign up with 2 RT’s as an initiation but didn’t. Now the offers coming in are for 1 RT as an initiation. The fee is $59 annually, waived the first year.

I have a 10-year old Chase Visa that only offers 1% cash back and only spend about =<$10K a year with it (-<$100 cash back). Your AMEX Blue 2.5% cash-back program is very, very good. If you do a lot of traveling (even road) and buying tix for concerts, etc., having AMEX Gold is absolutely invaluable. You don't even need AAA with it. The majority of AAA services come with the card. It also has its own travel agency for members, contracting with travelocity.com. HOWEVER, AMEX will iron out your disputes if you happen to have any. I've been offered Visa Signature cards as well but turned them down as AMEX Gold is so much better. I'm also eligible to upgrade to an AMEX Platimum but don't think I spend enough $$ to make its $450 annual fee worth my while, and IMHO, based upon your post, I don't feel you do, either.[/quote] Chase!!!!!!!!!!!!Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! DON'T SAY THAT WORD!!!! 🙂

[an]

It depends on if you travel a lot or not. If you like to go on trips and like Starwood’s portfolio of hotels, I highly recommend the Amex Starwood card. With your spending, I think you might be qualified for Platinum member level (at least gold). With Platinum/Gold, you get free upgrades and with their cash&points program, I get anywhere between 4-6% equivalent “cash back”. I recently spent a week in downtown Chicago at the Westin Michigan Ave. for $60+4000 points per night. Their normal rate for basic room on the lower floor is already ~$230-240/night. I got upgraded to the top floor with lake view for free.

[an]

It depends on if you travel a lot or not. If you like to go on trips and like Starwood’s portfolio of hotels, I highly recommend the Amex Starwood card. With your spending, I think you might be qualified for Platinum member level (at least gold). With Platinum/Gold, you get free upgrades and with their cash&points program, I get anywhere between 4-6% equivalent “cash back”. I recently spent a week in downtown Chicago at the Westin Michigan Ave. for $60+4000 points per night. Their normal rate for basic room on the lower floor is already ~$230-240/night. I got upgraded to the top floor with lake view for free.

[an]

It depends on if you travel a lot or not. If you like to go on trips and like Starwood’s portfolio of hotels, I highly recommend the Amex Starwood card. With your spending, I think you might be qualified for Platinum member level (at least gold). With Platinum/Gold, you get free upgrades and with their cash&points program, I get anywhere between 4-6% equivalent “cash back”. I recently spent a week in downtown Chicago at the Westin Michigan Ave. for $60+4000 points per night. Their normal rate for basic room on the lower floor is already ~$230-240/night. I got upgraded to the top floor with lake view for free.

[an]

It depends on if you travel a lot or not. If you like to go on trips and like Starwood’s portfolio of hotels, I highly recommend the Amex Starwood card. With your spending, I think you might be qualified for Platinum member level (at least gold). With Platinum/Gold, you get free upgrades and with their cash&points program, I get anywhere between 4-6% equivalent “cash back”. I recently spent a week in downtown Chicago at the Westin Michigan Ave. for $60+4000 points per night. Their normal rate for basic room on the lower floor is already ~$230-240/night. I got upgraded to the top floor with lake view for free.

[an]

It depends on if you travel a lot or not. If you like to go on trips and like Starwood’s portfolio of hotels, I highly recommend the Amex Starwood card. With your spending, I think you might be qualified for Platinum member level (at least gold). With Platinum/Gold, you get free upgrades and with their cash&points program, I get anywhere between 4-6% equivalent “cash back”. I recently spent a week in downtown Chicago at the Westin Michigan Ave. for $60+4000 points per night. Their normal rate for basic room on the lower floor is already ~$230-240/night. I got upgraded to the top floor with lake view for free.

[bearishgurl]

[quote=AN]It depends on if you travel a lot or not. If you like to go on trips and like Starwood’s portfolio of hotels, I highly recommend the Amex Starwood card. With your spending, I think you might be qualified for Platinum member level (at least gold). With Platinum/Gold, you get free upgrades and with their cash&points program, I get anywhere between 4-6% equivalent “cash back.” I recently spent a week in downtown Chicago at the Westin Michigan Ave. for $60+4000 points per night. Their normal rate for basic room on the lower floor is already ~$230-240/night. I got upgraded to the top floor with lake view for free.[/quote]

That’s an awesome deal you got in Chicago, AN. No doubt your $60 fee was just for the “point conversion.” The AMEX Gold program also has the Starwood Group for a travel partner, who now own all the Sheratons nationwide, as well.

I really think that bubble_contagion’s spending should be $50K+ annually (preferably more) to take advantage of all that the AMEX Platinum program ($450 annual fee) provides. But (s)he’s borderline, in that depending on frequency of travel, if it might be worth it for him/her to convert. Remember, the AMEX Blue Cash program has NO FEES and 2.5% cash back on all purchases! Definitely, if the OP travels (preferably by air) even twice a year, upgrading to AMEX Gold ($150 yr) MAY be cost-effective for him/her, depending on preferred airline.

edit: I forgot to add that when I signed up for AMEX Gold, they were giving out two RT air tix as an initiation for signing, but not sure if this is still the case and don’t know if this incentive applies to conversions.

[bearishgurl]

[quote=AN]It depends on if you travel a lot or not. If you like to go on trips and like Starwood’s portfolio of hotels, I highly recommend the Amex Starwood card. With your spending, I think you might be qualified for Platinum member level (at least gold). With Platinum/Gold, you get free upgrades and with their cash&points program, I get anywhere between 4-6% equivalent “cash back.” I recently spent a week in downtown Chicago at the Westin Michigan Ave. for $60+4000 points per night. Their normal rate for basic room on the lower floor is already ~$230-240/night. I got upgraded to the top floor with lake view for free.[/quote]

That’s an awesome deal you got in Chicago, AN. No doubt your $60 fee was just for the “point conversion.” The AMEX Gold program also has the Starwood Group for a travel partner, who now own all the Sheratons nationwide, as well.

I really think that bubble_contagion’s spending should be $50K+ annually (preferably more) to take advantage of all that the AMEX Platinum program ($450 annual fee) provides. But (s)he’s borderline, in that depending on frequency of travel, if it might be worth it for him/her to convert. Remember, the AMEX Blue Cash program has NO FEES and 2.5% cash back on all purchases! Definitely, if the OP travels (preferably by air) even twice a year, upgrading to AMEX Gold ($150 yr) MAY be cost-effective for him/her, depending on preferred airline.

edit: I forgot to add that when I signed up for AMEX Gold, they were giving out two RT air tix as an initiation for signing, but not sure if this is still the case and don’t know if this incentive applies to conversions.

[bearishgurl]

[quote=AN]It depends on if you travel a lot or not. If you like to go on trips and like Starwood’s portfolio of hotels, I highly recommend the Amex Starwood card. With your spending, I think you might be qualified for Platinum member level (at least gold). With Platinum/Gold, you get free upgrades and with their cash&points program, I get anywhere between 4-6% equivalent “cash back.” I recently spent a week in downtown Chicago at the Westin Michigan Ave. for $60+4000 points per night. Their normal rate for basic room on the lower floor is already ~$230-240/night. I got upgraded to the top floor with lake view for free.[/quote]

That’s an awesome deal you got in Chicago, AN. No doubt your $60 fee was just for the “point conversion.” The AMEX Gold program also has the Starwood Group for a travel partner, who now own all the Sheratons nationwide, as well.

I really think that bubble_contagion’s spending should be $50K+ annually (preferably more) to take advantage of all that the AMEX Platinum program ($450 annual fee) provides. But (s)he’s borderline, in that depending on frequency of travel, if it might be worth it for him/her to convert. Remember, the AMEX Blue Cash program has NO FEES and 2.5% cash back on all purchases! Definitely, if the OP travels (preferably by air) even twice a year, upgrading to AMEX Gold ($150 yr) MAY be cost-effective for him/her, depending on preferred airline.

edit: I forgot to add that when I signed up for AMEX Gold, they were giving out two RT air tix as an initiation for signing, but not sure if this is still the case and don’t know if this incentive applies to conversions.

[bearishgurl]

[quote=AN]It depends on if you travel a lot or not. If you like to go on trips and like Starwood’s portfolio of hotels, I highly recommend the Amex Starwood card. With your spending, I think you might be qualified for Platinum member level (at least gold). With Platinum/Gold, you get free upgrades and with their cash&points program, I get anywhere between 4-6% equivalent “cash back.” I recently spent a week in downtown Chicago at the Westin Michigan Ave. for $60+4000 points per night. Their normal rate for basic room on the lower floor is already ~$230-240/night. I got upgraded to the top floor with lake view for free.[/quote]

That’s an awesome deal you got in Chicago, AN. No doubt your $60 fee was just for the “point conversion.” The AMEX Gold program also has the Starwood Group for a travel partner, who now own all the Sheratons nationwide, as well.

I really think that bubble_contagion’s spending should be $50K+ annually (preferably more) to take advantage of all that the AMEX Platinum program ($450 annual fee) provides. But (s)he’s borderline, in that depending on frequency of travel, if it might be worth it for him/her to convert. Remember, the AMEX Blue Cash program has NO FEES and 2.5% cash back on all purchases! Definitely, if the OP travels (preferably by air) even twice a year, upgrading to AMEX Gold ($150 yr) MAY be cost-effective for him/her, depending on preferred airline.

edit: I forgot to add that when I signed up for AMEX Gold, they were giving out two RT air tix as an initiation for signing, but not sure if this is still the case and don’t know if this incentive applies to conversions.

[Author]

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