Originally Posted by
lainys
Count us in the 10% of former CSR owners - we cancelled after 2 years. We've picked up Wells Fargo Propel Amex (for restaurant and travel 3% rebate), Amazon Prime Visa (for 5% rebate on most amazon purchases, Costco in store (via ApplePay / AndroidPay) and overseas spend - no forex fee!) as well as Citibank Doublecash card for all other everyday spending and restaurants that don't take AMEX. For our spending pattern this seems to be the easiest combination to use year round.
Our 2019 new year's resolution is to start tracking cash rebates in addition to points accumulation.
I can see your logic, but for me the 50% bonus on travel redemptions combined with the travel credit and the free priority pass access pays off. I've bought 3 air tickets with points using the 50% bonus. Initially concerned that these were coded in some way that would earn miles, but DL, KL tickets have all earned miles that credited to DL and a Brussels air ticket credited to UA. I also transfer points from a Freedom card (for the 5% quarterly bonuses) and an Ink card to the CSR for the 50% travel bonus.
My other main card is a CapOne Venture with 2x rewards. And I've never paid the AF -- call each year and it has been waived.