NYTimes: "Amex, Challenged by Chase, Is Losing the Snob War"
Jul 23, 2018, 6:42 am
#376
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ATL
Programs: DL DM, Hyatt LT DM, Wyndham DM, Hertz PC, HH Gold, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,038
Yah. And that is an issue for me. I don't want to book through them because I get no points benefits/status. It might as well be booking via Kayak from my experience. Sometimes it will register my status randomly but it's just not worth it. Should be 5x on 'travel'. Or shoot even 3x. Chase is doing it and I assume if Chase keeps 'winning' Amex will have to make the change.
Jul 23, 2018, 10:48 am
#377
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Spire Ambassador, Global Entry
Posts: 2,862
Let's not forget the EDP also carries a $95 AF, almost negating the 5% return on 2k of spend. For the EDP to be worthwhile, you'd have to spend between $2000-$6500 on grocery. $230 in profit if you buy $6500 in gift cards at grocery stores (if that works, not sure). That's a lot of gift cards.
Jul 23, 2018, 11:02 am
#378
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,958
The EDP grocery category bonus is capped at $6,000 per year. The annual fee may be (partially) offset by a retention offer or by Amex Offers. Some Offers are available on a wide range of cards, including free cards, but others are more narrowly targeted and I may only see them on one card. I do not buy gift cards at supermarkets, but I do buy food.
Jul 28, 2018, 7:27 am
#380
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: LAX
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, AA EXP, Hilton Diamond, Wyndham Diamond, DL PM, Marriott Platinum, IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,305
Let's not forget the EDP also carries a $95 AF, almost negating the 5% return on 2k of spend. For the EDP to be worthwhile, you'd have to spend between $2000-$6500 on grocery. $230 in profit if you buy $6500 in gift cards at grocery stores (if that works, not sure). That's a lot of gift cards.