Originally Posted by
imnotalawyer
This is all well and good, but it ignores two major points... Platinum isn't the only card to offer
Extended Warranty or
Purchase Protection (you can find a complete list by clicking through to the relevant Amex pages)
and there is no need to "insure" dining/grocery purchases. Perhaps a bit harsh but, if you're using a Platinum for food expenses, you're just being lazy.
I'm not being lazy. I know exactly what I'm doing, but I do value simplicity and that counts for a lot. We do 2-3 Sign-up Bonuses a year and get a majority of our points/miles that way and then immediately cancel the cards.
I've played the game - rotating cards for this, that and the other; simply put, it's just not worth it anymore. I have trust in my Amex Platinum, know what I'm getting in benefits/protections and I'm very comfortable with it. There is a lot of value in that and with all the other benefits. Again, I could use a card for gas, a card for groceries, etc, but at the end of the day, it's just not worth it anymore. Even if I did that, wouldn't drastically change the points on an annual basis, especially if the cards are with multiple banks (i.e. split between Ultimate Rewards, Membership Rewards, etc).
I've been there and done it. I can guarantee you aren't 'making bank' by splitting everything up and having a wallet of 10 cards, using an algorithm to determine what purchase should go on what card. Yes, there are some benefits and you will get MORE points, but nothing substantial. You (people that do it) also spend a more time on figuring it all out, keeping spreadsheets, this, that and the other. It's fun for a while, I won't lie. However, I'm at a point in life where getting an extra 20,000 'points' a year, split amongst various programs isn't going to change my life. Where you 'make it' is in sign up bonuses.
I love reading what people do and don't discourage anyone. I have a friend that has 17 cards right now and he's always talking about rotating this and that, this purchase on this card, that purchase on another one and frankly, it's a complete nightmare to keep up with. Of course, since I have an interest in the subject matter, we have some fun bantering, but I value my time now and love the simple things in life. We carry a total of 2 credit cards and life is very rewarding. Everything else has been closed/canceled and cut up. Again, happy to do a couple sign up bonuses every year for property taxes, etc, but that's it.
Cheers,