Sapphire v. MileagePlus Explorer
Aug 15, 2013, 10:14 am
#91
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: UA 1K, AA EP, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Platinum, M life Noir
Posts: 1,279
You would get the same points/$ on the CSP vs the Explorer for all Dining and Travel expenses. The only advantage to the explorer card is the no checked luggage fee and earlier zone boarding (but it doesn't matter if you already have status with UA). And I believe the explorer card gives you 2 passes to the lounge annually but that's not worth much imho.
Some reasons to keep the Explorer card anyway:
- 2 United Club passes each year
- Primary CDW
- CPU eligibility on award flights
- Free first checked bag
- Priority boarding
- 1.4x on non-bonus spending if you perfectly optimize the $25k bonus
Aug 15, 2013, 10:19 am
#92
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,818
Huh? CSP gives you 2.14x in UR points on dining and travel spending, whereas the Explorer gives you 1x in UA miles (no flexibility). The only 2x category for the Explorer card is United purchases, and even then it's better to use the CSP because it's 2.14x and the UR points are better than UA miles (you can also use the UR Mall with your CSP to do even better than 2.14x).
Some reasons to keep the Explorer card anyway:
Some reasons to keep the Explorer card anyway:
- 2 United Club passes each year
- Primary CDW
- CPU eligibility on award flights
- Free first checked bag
- Priority boarding
- 1.4x on non-bonus spending if you perfectly optimize the $25k bonus
Aug 15, 2013, 2:27 pm
#94
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: UA 1K, AA EP, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Platinum, M life Noir
Posts: 1,279
Aug 15, 2013, 8:04 pm
#95
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Scottsdale, Az.
Programs: US Gold & AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 216
Aug 19, 2013, 9:58 am
#96
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Virginia City Highlands
Programs: Nothing anymore after 20 years
Posts: 6,900
My expenses won't be that high. I try to use SIN cards for local expenses and my US expenses will be most likely no more than $5K/year.
I already have *G access. Because I do not fly US domestic routes, those lounge passes are useless for me.
For corporate travel I have to use my AMEX card. For personal - I have Ink Bold which AFAIK prevides the same benefits. Could someone confirm?
Above. No domestic travel.
PQD does not apply to people residing outside of US.
So...
I have PP and should make at least gold every year thru my travel.
What protection Ink Bold offers?
Aug 19, 2013, 10:01 am
#97
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Virginia City Highlands
Programs: Nothing anymore after 20 years
Posts: 6,900
Aug 19, 2013, 10:09 am
#98
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,818
Secondary coverage, but if you have your own car insurance then this benefit alone is not worth $95 a year. For people without their own car insurance, this may be very well worth it.
The CSP gives 2x for all dining and travel + 7% of all points earned at the end of the year. So all dining and travel gives 2.14x points and all 1x purchases gives 1.07x points.
Conclusion: I think you answered your original question now, glad I can help
Conclusion: I think you answered your original question now, glad I can help
Aug 19, 2013, 10:41 am
#99
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Virginia City Highlands
Programs: Nothing anymore after 20 years
Posts: 6,900
So is in this case Ink's coverage primary?
Thanks again.
Aug 20, 2013, 11:12 am
#100
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA 1K, HH Diamond, Best Western Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 17
Aug 20, 2013, 11:52 am
#101
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,818
Jul 29, 2014, 9:25 am
#102
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, UA Silver
Posts: 2,272
UA Explorer has 2miles/$ on UA spend (and a 10k bonus at $25k spend). The only other real benefit I see for 1k iis the primary rental car insurance (and the two lounge passes)
Sapphire preferred is 2 points/$ on all travel and dining ( plus the 7% bonus). It also has more flexible transfer options.
Depending on your spending patterns, one or the other should work out better for you. You may also want to look at the Chase UA club card.
Sapphire preferred is 2 points/$ on all travel and dining ( plus the 7% bonus). It also has more flexible transfer options.
Depending on your spending patterns, one or the other should work out better for you. You may also want to look at the Chase UA club card.