Which Visa is better value - Alaska or Marriott?
Dec 18, 2009, 4:54 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: BOI, ex-NTL, SYD
Programs: UA 1K, AS MVP, MR Plat Prem, HH Diamond
Posts: 127
Which Visa is better value - Alaska or Marriott?
OK, here's the setup ... this year spent (OPM) about 17 grand on hotels (50% Marriott, 50% other), about 9 grand on airfares (Alaska/ Horizon) and about 4.5 grand on meals. Thinking about switching off the corporate Amex to a branded Visa for some if not all.
So, from your experience, which is likely to give me the best bang (in terms of what I can spend on the extra points) for the buck - the Alaska Visa or Marriott?
Posting on the other forum so bias is entirely expected and hedged sway ...
So, from your experience, which is likely to give me the best bang (in terms of what I can spend on the extra points) for the buck - the Alaska Visa or Marriott?
Posting on the other forum so bias is entirely expected and hedged sway ...
Dec 18, 2009, 5:14 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SF East Bay
Programs: 189 miles short of AS MVP, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,226
I have both the AS and Marriott Visa. With the Marriott Visa you get double points for dining, car rentals, airfare and bonus points at Marriott. The downside is it takes a lot of Marriott points for a night but they add up quickly. I actually prefer to accrue points on my Starwood AMEX card because I actually use the points more than Alaska miles or Marriott points. Besides Costco takes the AMEX card and no other credit card.
The AS Visa is good for the companion fare and to accrue miles on Alaska but that's about it and finding a good redemption rate can be tough.
I hope this helps.
The AS Visa is good for the companion fare and to accrue miles on Alaska but that's about it and finding a good redemption rate can be tough.
I hope this helps.
Dec 18, 2009, 8:13 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
Programs: Oceanic Airlines Gold Elite
Posts: 20,420
I swear by getting 1000 miles every time you purchase your ticket on an AS Visa, per person- even if it's the debit card. (My daughter is accruing a somewhat decent amount of miles herself by her dad buying her tickets, and linking HER AS MP account...)
Dec 18, 2009, 8:27 pm
#4
Join Date: Jan 2008
Programs: AS MVPG, CO, NW(now DL), Flying Blue
Posts: 6,554
Thats why I have a DL card 
And to the OP I guess it comes down to which card will be more useful and beneficial to you. For me a Marriot card would be useless because I use choice hotels, Westmark in Juneau, and HHonors because most Alaska locations dont have Marriott, but to somebody using Marriott as regulary as youve stated 17 grand then it might be better for you
And to the OP I guess it comes down to which card will be more useful and beneficial to you. For me a Marriot card would be useless because I use choice hotels, Westmark in Juneau, and HHonors because most Alaska locations dont have Marriott, but to somebody using Marriott as regulary as youve stated 17 grand then it might be better for you