Originally Posted by
SHLTP
So, I'm very negative on the CSR changes and have said I'd cancel since I love outside the US and can't easily use many of the benefits. But...I bought a ticket for my kid to Asia from the US on CSR. My kid got an ear infection while in Asia. We had to go to the emergency room in Thailand, see an ENT specialist in Thailand and see a doctor in China.
Chase benefits just approved all the doctors visits. I haven't received the money yet but they said it'd be wired on Jan 6. We saw the doctor christmas day and Dec 27. So super fast turnaround if it stands.
If I get reimbursed, then I'm keeping CSR. I forgot about medical coverage. I have gotten $500 USD twice before for flight cancellations. Seems to me if I need the travel stuff once every year or two, then keeping this card is worth it. I forgot about travel insurance.
I have yet to have to use the travel insurance but it seems to be pretty good based on others’ reports. PPL report easy reimbursement (baggage delay/loss, trip disruption/cancellation, etc) as long as you have proper documentation. I have signed up for trips that required trip insurance ($300+). Because CSR travel insurance covers all that the required insurance covers, that’s a big savings benefit. The CSR covers the deductible if you use your own medical insurance. It also covers evacuation if you go to a place without very good hospitals.
I have been on the fence about renewing CSR this year. But I had forgotten about some of the new benefits. The EDIT credit is a struggle to use. But I can use the dining credit with some effort. I don't use Door Dash Lyft, etc. So those things are worthless to me. Not sure if I can use Stub Hub credit
So this year I’ll use:
$300 travel credit
$250 EDIT credit
$250 IHG, etc hotel credit
$240 Apple music/TV
$300 dining credit
$300 Chase lounge
Total of $1640. This doesn't include the savings from not having to buy travel insurance or if I actually have to use the insurance or if I can use the 2nd EDIT credit.
I value to the transfer capability very highly but I could get that from another lower AF Chase card.
The IHG bonus credit is for 2026 only.