Originally Posted by
richarddd
I find more value in Virtuoso or the like travel agents than in hotel status or FHR. It depends on where you stay.
MR and UR have different transfer partners and different base values. If you can't find good transfers, at a minimum UR points are worth $0.01 and $0.15 if you can use the portal. I'm not sure what the minimum value of MR points might be. CSR has 3x points in travel and dining, AP 5x in directly booked flights.
Primary v secondary car rental insurance and car rental status are no doubt important to many.
Just want to point out that Amex has multiple versions of platinum card with additional benefit:
Schwab platinum: cash out at $0.0125/point. rebate on annual fee based on assets at schwab
Morgan Stanley platinum: 1 free authorized user. annual fee waiver possible with spending or relationship requirement
Corporate advantage program: $150 annual fee rebate for certain corporate card holders.
If you take advantage of any of the above benefit then it is a nobrainer
In addition,
If you only rent car infrequently, you can play for primary car rental at ~$20/rental, with easier claim process than Chase.
FHR is a more recognized program by top hotels. You get guaranteed 4 pm checkout and almost always receive upgrade.