Originally Posted by
NationalCCW
What is the best program, Membership (Amex), Ultimate (Chase), or ThankYou Rewards (Citi)?
I am looking for a program where I can earn points and have the freedom to transfer them directly to an airline and pay no annual fee for the card. I know Amex has a no fee card with Membership Rewards. But I don't know if Amex is still the best program to go with so I am asking for opinions.
Ultimately am looking to accumulate airfare to Brisbane for 3 in Business Class. I did this 12 years ago and am looking to start over again.
What is your definition of
best?
You seem to be wanting a lot and expecting a lot from the credit card programs.
The chances of getting 3 business class award flights USA to Australia on the same flight are not good (~closer to zero). For premuiun awards to Australia you need to be flexible with date & route, and if more than 1 person expect to travel on different routes, days and/or airlines. If hoping for a non stop USA-BNE flight your options are very limited. Awards can start to be available 355/330 days out, depending on the airline ffp.