Hilton HHonors - Is this a good strategy?: Apply to both HHonors AMEX and Citi

Here's what I thought would be a good idea:

Apply for both cards, AMEX and Visa Signature from Citi. Get the boni from both, and:

- Use the Citi Visa for all Hilton stays
- Use AMEX for everything else

why? While the VISA is not as a great points earner as the AMEX, it IS better for Hilton Stays (6 points/$ for Citi Visa Signature, 5 points/$ for AMEX). Both have no annual fee.

What do you guys think? I am sure many of you do it already, just that I am new to this!

Thanks.

I am not familiar with it....:p

Here's what I thought would be a good idea:

Apply for both cards, AMEX and Visa Signature from Citi. Get the boni from both, and:

- Use the Citi Visa for all Hilton stays
- Use AMEX for everything else

why? While the VISA is not as a great points earner as the AMEX, it IS better for Hilton Stays (6 points/$ for Citi Visa Signature, 5 points/$ for AMEX). Both have no annual fee.

What do you guys think? I am sure many of you do it already, just that I am new to this!

Thanks.

You would have to spend over $500 on your stay with your Visa to counter the 500 point per stay Amex booking bonus. I have both cards but use the Visa only when a merchant doesn't take Amex. The Visa comes in handy for auto insurance and property tax payments, but is otherwise only used at mom and pop restaurants, museums, and dry cleaners. The Amex also yields 5 points per dollar for everyday purchases at grocery stores, restaurants, wireless phone bills, and the post office.

Hmmm... I missed the part where you earn 500 points per stay when paying with AMEX on top of the 15 points per dollar. Thanks for pointing that out!

Have you factored in the 500 points from AMEX you get for booking on line?;);)

My experience lately with the Citi Visa has not been so great. First the bait and switch when I applied at the time they were switching from 3 points per dollar at Hiltons to 6 points per dollar - applied on the new web page, got the old card. Now I've had 6 Hilton family stays in the last two months post at 2 points per dollar, not even the 3 they said I'm supposed to get.

I'd go for the Amex and not worry yourself with the Visa.

I have both, and use Visa when Amex is not accepted... which happens a fair amount.

Is this a good strategy?: Apply to both HHonors AMEX and CitiYes, absolutely. Even if you never use the Citi, go for the sign up bonus. As others have mentioned, don't forget about the 500 pt online booking bonus with the AMEX.^

Yes, absolutely. Even if you never use the Citi, go for the sign up bonus. As others have mentioned, don't forget about the 500 pt online booking bonus with the AMEX.^

Yes, the 500 point online bonus is worth mentioning.

However, realize that some business travelers must book through a corporate travel department, and therefore cannot get that bonus. So it is by no means a given for all.

For those who cannot book online directly (and therefore can't get the Amex online booking bonus), the Citibank card delivers more value because of the extra point per dollar spent.

For those who cannot book online directly (and therefore can't get the Amex online booking bonus), the Citibank card delivers more value because of the extra point per dollar spent.Yes, agreed. Unfortunately for me, when I travel on business I can book online but I have to pay with business (govt.) cc, which is not an AMEX.:(

FYI, if you book a reward stay and use the AMEX for incidentals (even if nothing is charged) you still get the 500 bonus points. So those MR's Ive done at the 7,500point/night hamptons are really only costing me 6,750 points. I decline the water and snack for 250 points. Now Im DIAMOND!!!