Jan 2, 2017, 9:16 am
Last edit by: yugi
Ways to get high rewards or bonus on credit card spending:
1. sign-on bonus, miles, UR or MR points, free nights and cash rewards
2. on-going rewards, points or cashback
3. spending bonus for extra points/$ or status, like spending $10,000 to get extra 20k points etc.
Cards with large spending bonus: (alphabetical)
AmEx Delta Skymiles Gold: $25,000 MQD waived for elite status
AmEx HH Ascend: $40,000 to Diamond
Barclay Aviator Red: $25,000 for $3,000 EQD
BofA Merrill +: $50,000 for additional $200 travel credit
Chase Ritz Carlton: $10,000 to renew Gold status. Subject to change from 8/1/2018
Chase United MileagePlus Explorer: $25,000 for 10,000 United miles
A lot more to list...
Cards that earn better than 1 airline mile (or points convertible 1:1 to airline miles) per dollar: (alphabetical)
Amex Blue Business Plus - 2x MRs on up to $50k per year. No AF, FTF.
Amex Blue for Business - 1.3x MRs (Another card needed in order to transfer, such as Amex ED/EDP/PRG/BGR/Plat etc). No AF, FTF. Discontinued, replaced by BBP.
Amex Business Platinum - 1.5x for charges over $5,000 up to 1M extra points ($2M spend) AF $450, no FTF. Many other perks.
Amex EveryDay - 1.2x if you make 20+ charges per cycle. No AF, FTF.
Amex EveryDay Preferred - 1.5x if you make 30+ charges per cycle. AF $95, FTF.
Bank of America Virgin Atlantic MasterCard - 1.5x VS miles, 2x if you spend $15k per year, 2.1x if you spend $25k per year. AF $90, no FTF.
Bank of America Air France KLM Mastercard - 1.5x AF miles. AF $89, no FTF.
Barclaycard Arrival Premier - 1.43x for all partners except JAL, AC (1.18x). You will get 2.14x on all partners except JAL, AC (1.76x), if you spend $15k or $25k per year. AF $150, FYF, no FTF. Discontinued.
Capital One Venture X Visa - 2x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. AF $395, no FTF, many other perks.
Capital One Spark Miles Business Visa - 2x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture Visa - 2x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture One Visa - 1.25x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. no AF, no FTF.
Capital One Spark Miles Select Business Visa - 1.5x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. No AF, no FTF.
Chase Freedom Unlimited Visa - 1.5x URs (Another card needed in order to transfer, such as CSR/CSP/Ink Plus/Ink Bold/Ink Preferred). No AF, FTF.
Chase Ink Unlimited Business Visa - 1.5x URs, Same as Freedom Unlimited
Citi Double Cash MC - 2x TYP. You need a premium Citi card, (Premier, Prestige or Chairman) to transfer to partners other than JetBlue at 1:1 ratio. No AF, FTF.
Cards that earn hotel points
Amex Hilton Honors - 3x HH points, no AF, no FTF
Amex Hilton Honors Surpass - 3x HH points, AF $95, no FTF, some perks
Amex Hilton Honors Business - 3x HH points, AF $95, no FTF, some perks
Amex Hilton Honors Aspire - 3x HH points, AF $450, no FTF, lots of perks.
Amex Bonvoy - 2x Marriott points. AF $95, FYF, no FTF. Discontinued.
Amex Bonvoy Business - same as Amex Bonvoy. AF $125, no FTF.
Amex Bonvoy Brilliant - same as Amex Bonvoy. AF $450
Barclaycard Choice Privileges Visa - 2x on everything. No AF, FTF.
Barclaycard Wyndham Rewards Visa - 2x (grandfathered versions 2x on everything). AF $69/$0, FTF.
Chase Bonvoy Boundless Visa - same as Amex Bonvoy.
Chase IHG Traveler MC - 2x on everything. No AF, no FTF.
Chase IHG Premier/Premier Business MC - 3x on everything. AF $99, no FTF.
Chase Ritz-Carlton Visa Infinite - same as Amex Bonvoy. AF $450, no FTF. Discontinued, but can be obtained via PC from another Chase Bonvoy card.
FNBO Best Western Rewards Premium MC - 2x BW points. AF $59, no FTF
FNBO Best Western Rewards MC - 2x BW points. No AF, no FTF
2%+ Cashback Cards: (by % amount)
US Bank Altitude Reserve Visa - 4.5% towards travel (cashout possible), if you use Android Pay, Samsung Pay, Apple Pay or LG Pay for in-person, in-app or online purchases. AF $400, no FTF, many other perks.
Barclaycard Priceline Rewards Visa (grandfathered 2x/5x version) - 3.33% if redeemed against Priceline or travel purchases, 2% if redeemed for everything else. No AF, no FTF.
AOD CU Visa Signature - 3% on everything. No AF, no FTF. Discontinued.
Synchrony Paypal Cashback Mastercard - 3% if paid with Paypal, 2% everywhere else, no AF, FTF.
Barclaycard Arrival Premier MC - 3% if you spend exactly $15k or $25k, 2%, if you spend less than $15k. AF $150, FYF, no FTF, some perks. Discontinued.
Bank of America Travel Rewards Visa (with Platinum (Honors) Preferred Rewards) - 2.25/2.625%. No AF, no FTF.
Bank of America Premium Rewards Visa (with Platinum (Honors) Preferred Rewards) - 2.25/2.625%. AF $95, no FTF, some perks.
Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Visa (with Platinum (Honors) Preferred Rewards) - 2.25/2.625%. AF $550, no FTF, many other perks.
USAA Limitless Cashback Rewards Visa - 2.5% (must be USAA member, with $1k direct deposit per month). no AF. Discontinued.
Alliant Cashback Visa Signature - 2.5% up to $10k per cycle, if you have $1k on your checking account. No AF, no FTF.
Barclaycard Arrival Plus MasterCard - 2.1% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $89, no FTF. Discontinued.
Discover it Miles - 3% (first year only, 1.5% after that). No AF, no FTF.
Exactly 2% Cashback Cards: (alphabetical)
Amex Blue Business Cash - 2% on up to $50k per year. No AF, FTF.
BBVA Compass Rewards Visa - 2%, if you receive $1000 in direct deposits per month to checking account. No AF.
Blispay Visa - 2%. No AF.
Citi Double Cash MasterCard - 2%. No AF, FTF.
Capital One Spark Cash Business Visa - 2%. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Spark Miles Business Visa - 2% if redeemed for travel. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture Visa - 2% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture X Visa - 2% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $395, no FTF, many other perks.
Fidelity Rewards Visa - 2%. No AF.
PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa (with Honors Advantage) - 2%. No AF, no FTF.
PNC Premier Traveler Visa - 2% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $85, FYF, no FTF.
State Department Federal CU Premium Cashback+ Visa - 2%, no AF, no FTF.
Synchrony Paypal Cashback MC - 2% for non-PayPal purchases, no AF, FTF.
Too many to list.
1. sign-on bonus, miles, UR or MR points, free nights and cash rewards
2. on-going rewards, points or cashback
3. spending bonus for extra points/$ or status, like spending $10,000 to get extra 20k points etc.
Cards with large spending bonus: (alphabetical)
AmEx Delta Skymiles Gold: $25,000 MQD waived for elite status
AmEx HH Ascend: $40,000 to Diamond
Barclay Aviator Red: $25,000 for $3,000 EQD
BofA Merrill +: $50,000 for additional $200 travel credit
Chase Ritz Carlton: $10,000 to renew Gold status. Subject to change from 8/1/2018
Chase United MileagePlus Explorer: $25,000 for 10,000 United miles
A lot more to list...
Cards that earn better than 1 airline mile (or points convertible 1:1 to airline miles) per dollar: (alphabetical)
Amex Blue Business Plus - 2x MRs on up to $50k per year. No AF, FTF.
Amex Blue for Business - 1.3x MRs (Another card needed in order to transfer, such as Amex ED/EDP/PRG/BGR/Plat etc). No AF, FTF. Discontinued, replaced by BBP.
Amex Business Platinum - 1.5x for charges over $5,000 up to 1M extra points ($2M spend) AF $450, no FTF. Many other perks.
Amex EveryDay - 1.2x if you make 20+ charges per cycle. No AF, FTF.
Amex EveryDay Preferred - 1.5x if you make 30+ charges per cycle. AF $95, FTF.
Bank of America Virgin Atlantic MasterCard - 1.5x VS miles, 2x if you spend $15k per year, 2.1x if you spend $25k per year. AF $90, no FTF.
Bank of America Air France KLM Mastercard - 1.5x AF miles. AF $89, no FTF.
Barclaycard Arrival Premier - 1.43x for all partners except JAL, AC (1.18x). You will get 2.14x on all partners except JAL, AC (1.76x), if you spend $15k or $25k per year. AF $150, FYF, no FTF. Discontinued.
Capital One Venture X Visa - 2x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. AF $395, no FTF, many other perks.
Capital One Spark Miles Business Visa - 2x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture Visa - 2x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture One Visa - 1.25x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. no AF, no FTF.
Capital One Spark Miles Select Business Visa - 1.5x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. No AF, no FTF.
Chase Freedom Unlimited Visa - 1.5x URs (Another card needed in order to transfer, such as CSR/CSP/Ink Plus/Ink Bold/Ink Preferred). No AF, FTF.
Chase Ink Unlimited Business Visa - 1.5x URs, Same as Freedom Unlimited
Citi Double Cash MC - 2x TYP. You need a premium Citi card, (Premier, Prestige or Chairman) to transfer to partners other than JetBlue at 1:1 ratio. No AF, FTF.
Cards that earn hotel points
Amex Hilton Honors - 3x HH points, no AF, no FTF
Amex Hilton Honors Surpass - 3x HH points, AF $95, no FTF, some perks
Amex Hilton Honors Business - 3x HH points, AF $95, no FTF, some perks
Amex Hilton Honors Aspire - 3x HH points, AF $450, no FTF, lots of perks.
Amex Bonvoy - 2x Marriott points. AF $95, FYF, no FTF. Discontinued.
Amex Bonvoy Business - same as Amex Bonvoy. AF $125, no FTF.
Amex Bonvoy Brilliant - same as Amex Bonvoy. AF $450
Barclaycard Choice Privileges Visa - 2x on everything. No AF, FTF.
Barclaycard Wyndham Rewards Visa - 2x (grandfathered versions 2x on everything). AF $69/$0, FTF.
Chase Bonvoy Boundless Visa - same as Amex Bonvoy.
Chase IHG Traveler MC - 2x on everything. No AF, no FTF.
Chase IHG Premier/Premier Business MC - 3x on everything. AF $99, no FTF.
Chase Ritz-Carlton Visa Infinite - same as Amex Bonvoy. AF $450, no FTF. Discontinued, but can be obtained via PC from another Chase Bonvoy card.
FNBO Best Western Rewards Premium MC - 2x BW points. AF $59, no FTF
FNBO Best Western Rewards MC - 2x BW points. No AF, no FTF
2%+ Cashback Cards: (by % amount)
US Bank Altitude Reserve Visa - 4.5% towards travel (cashout possible), if you use Android Pay, Samsung Pay, Apple Pay or LG Pay for in-person, in-app or online purchases. AF $400, no FTF, many other perks.
Barclaycard Priceline Rewards Visa (grandfathered 2x/5x version) - 3.33% if redeemed against Priceline or travel purchases, 2% if redeemed for everything else. No AF, no FTF.
AOD CU Visa Signature - 3% on everything. No AF, no FTF. Discontinued.
Synchrony Paypal Cashback Mastercard - 3% if paid with Paypal, 2% everywhere else, no AF, FTF.
Barclaycard Arrival Premier MC - 3% if you spend exactly $15k or $25k, 2%, if you spend less than $15k. AF $150, FYF, no FTF, some perks. Discontinued.
Bank of America Travel Rewards Visa (with Platinum (Honors) Preferred Rewards) - 2.25/2.625%. No AF, no FTF.
Bank of America Premium Rewards Visa (with Platinum (Honors) Preferred Rewards) - 2.25/2.625%. AF $95, no FTF, some perks.
Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Visa (with Platinum (Honors) Preferred Rewards) - 2.25/2.625%. AF $550, no FTF, many other perks.
USAA Limitless Cashback Rewards Visa - 2.5% (must be USAA member, with $1k direct deposit per month). no AF. Discontinued.
Alliant Cashback Visa Signature - 2.5% up to $10k per cycle, if you have $1k on your checking account. No AF, no FTF.
Barclaycard Arrival Plus MasterCard - 2.1% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $89, no FTF. Discontinued.
Discover it Miles - 3% (first year only, 1.5% after that). No AF, no FTF.
Exactly 2% Cashback Cards: (alphabetical)
Amex Blue Business Cash - 2% on up to $50k per year. No AF, FTF.
BBVA Compass Rewards Visa - 2%, if you receive $1000 in direct deposits per month to checking account. No AF.
Blispay Visa - 2%. No AF.
Citi Double Cash MasterCard - 2%. No AF, FTF.
Capital One Spark Cash Business Visa - 2%. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Spark Miles Business Visa - 2% if redeemed for travel. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture Visa - 2% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture X Visa - 2% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $395, no FTF, many other perks.
Fidelity Rewards Visa - 2%. No AF.
PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa (with Honors Advantage) - 2%. No AF, no FTF.
PNC Premier Traveler Visa - 2% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $85, FYF, no FTF.
State Department Federal CU Premium Cashback+ Visa - 2%, no AF, no FTF.
Synchrony Paypal Cashback MC - 2% for non-PayPal purchases, no AF, FTF.
Too many to list.
Which card(s) to use for high spend or large purchases? [Consolidated]
Apr 3, 2017, 3:07 pm
#256
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 277
Unless you want to turn the money into cashback (in which case, use a 2% cashback card), 1 SPG point is worth more than 1 UR point.
If you convert to airline miles, it's not instantaneous but you get a 25% bonus going from SPG if you redeem 20k at once. (UR points are 1:1 and connect to fewer airlines.)
You can switch 1 SPG into 3 Marriott Rewards, whereas 1 UR goes to 1 Marriott.
Etc etc.
If you convert to airline miles, it's not instantaneous but you get a 25% bonus going from SPG if you redeem 20k at once. (UR points are 1:1 and connect to fewer airlines.)
You can switch 1 SPG into 3 Marriott Rewards, whereas 1 UR goes to 1 Marriott.
Etc etc.
Apr 3, 2017, 3:17 pm
#257
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: SFO
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat
Posts: 756
Interesting strategy. Why not meet min spend on SPG too and then put rest on CSR? Bad idea @Explorer789 ? Or are SPG points that good?
Now, you have $10k left. Just use the remaining for SPG since they are the most valuable points and most flexible for award redemptions.
Apr 3, 2017, 3:24 pm
#258
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 43
It depends on if you value UR or SPG points. As others have said, first take care of minimum spends.
Then you have two options: charge the rest on the SPG or convert your CSP to a Freedom Unlimited and put the balance on that (for 1.5x UR points). If you choose the latter, you don't even have to wait for the physical card, just need the account converted.
Then you have two options: charge the rest on the SPG or convert your CSP to a Freedom Unlimited and put the balance on that (for 1.5x UR points). If you choose the latter, you don't even have to wait for the physical card, just need the account converted.
Apr 3, 2017, 4:26 pm
#259
Join Date: May 2015
Location: LAX, BUR
Programs: AS,AA,JB, HH Gold, Starriott Titanium Elite, Hyatt Explorist, Global Entry
Posts: 1,933
Do the minimums and the rest on SPG.
You'll have close to 50K SPG when you're done but don't stop there, make the SPG your daily driver!
You'll have close to 50K SPG when you're done but don't stop there, make the SPG your daily driver!
Apr 3, 2017, 6:55 pm
#260
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,588
None, except to suggest that you peruse the available offers described in the several FT credit-card forums, and see if any appeals to you. If so, and if you think you can get approved for that particular offer, call the card issuer and ask whether, if you are approved, they can get the card to you by this coming Friday.
Not sure why your SPG Amex limit is so low; if you think you can get a higher limit on other Amex cards, check available offers for the Amex PRG and the Amex Platinum.
Not sure why your SPG Amex limit is so low; if you think you can get a higher limit on other Amex cards, check available offers for the Amex PRG and the Amex Platinum.
Apr 3, 2017, 7:19 pm
#261
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 205
I need to pay a hospital bill in the next 6 days. I am going to put it on a CC but don't know where to apply it. Unfortunately, it's not in groceries, gas, hotel, airlines, or any of the other big spend categories so I could really get A LOT of points but here's the deal...
Here are my cards:
CSR: I've had for a year so I've obtained the bonus already so I'd be getting 18k points with this purchase.
CSP: I've had for a year so I've obtained the bonus already so I'd be getting 18k points with this purchase too.
Hyatt: I received this card in the mail last week so I still need to meet the spend to get the bonus points.
Jetblue: I received this card in the mail last week so I still need to meet the spend to get the bonus points.
SPG: I received this card in the mail last week so I still need to meet the spend to get the bonus points.
What would you do?
Here are my cards:
CSR: I've had for a year so I've obtained the bonus already so I'd be getting 18k points with this purchase.
CSP: I've had for a year so I've obtained the bonus already so I'd be getting 18k points with this purchase too.
Hyatt: I received this card in the mail last week so I still need to meet the spend to get the bonus points.
Jetblue: I received this card in the mail last week so I still need to meet the spend to get the bonus points.
SPG: I received this card in the mail last week so I still need to meet the spend to get the bonus points.
What would you do?
Take me, for example. I would not use the Starwood card even though I place a higher value on Starpoints than UR points. Main reason being that I'm a United flyer and try to stay in Hyatt properties whenever practical. The uncertainty around what Marriott intends to do with the Starwood brand could affect my overall valuation but not at this very moment.
My 2¢
Apr 3, 2017, 9:11 pm
#262
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: SFO
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat
Posts: 756
As others have mentioned, the most bang for the buck will be to use this non-multiplier to take care of the minimum spends for your new cards. This is provided that they are willing to split the bill amongst the 3 cards. After that, I see no compelling reason to put the rest on one versus the others as you have neglected to provide the helpful info related to that to us.
Take me, for example. I would not use the Starwood card even though I place a higher value on Starpoints than UR points. Main reason being that I'm a United flyer and try to stay in Hyatt properties whenever practical. The uncertainty around what Marriott intends to do with the Starwood brand could affect my overall valuation but not at this very moment.
My 2¢
Take me, for example. I would not use the Starwood card even though I place a higher value on Starpoints than UR points. Main reason being that I'm a United flyer and try to stay in Hyatt properties whenever practical. The uncertainty around what Marriott intends to do with the Starwood brand could affect my overall valuation but not at this very moment.
My 2¢
I believe that with the current 3:1 SPG:Marriott conversion rate, it is more lucrative to try to accumulate enough Marriott points to get one of their Travel Packages. Keep in mind that SPG card may seize to exist next year and points will definitely shake up, then we would have to reevaluate. But again, we will cross that bridge when we get to it.
Apr 3, 2017, 11:13 pm
#263
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 205
Of course, you can't transfer SPG to Hyatt. But you can do same 1:1 transfer to United as with Chase UR.
I believe that with the current 3:1 SPG:Marriott conversion rate, it is more lucrative to try to accumulate enough Marriott points to get one of their Travel Packages. Keep in mind that SPG card may seize to exist next year and points will definitely shake up, then we would have to reevaluate. But again, we will cross that bridge when we get to it.
I believe that with the current 3:1 SPG:Marriott conversion rate, it is more lucrative to try to accumulate enough Marriott points to get one of their Travel Packages. Keep in mind that SPG card may seize to exist next year and points will definitely shake up, then we would have to reevaluate. But again, we will cross that bridge when we get to it.
I apologize if I came across as attempting humor. Other than sister companies/partners, I have not seen a hotel rewards program that makes it possible to redeem points that way with partners and if my post implied that to be a negative, that was in error.
With regards to Starwood, I agree that you and others should make hay now just in case...
Unfortunately, until the original poster returns with updated info, we'll never have what we need to give accurate advice for his/her situation. I can see why some like the nights/flights feature of Marriott rewards. If one is heavy in those points, it is a way to diversify without chasing new card bonuses. At the same time, I'm glad that I don't value nights and flights as highly as you as those are the differences that foster competition among the hotel loyalty schemes to get our business. Marriott/Starwood is, hands down, the market leader in rooms worldwide. I'm just not a fan of the brand. However, I could switch within 2 years (not necessarily to them) if the recent Hyatt rewards program shakeup is as dire as some have predicted. Time will tell.
Apr 3, 2017, 11:31 pm
#264
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: SFO
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat
Posts: 756
https://www.starwoodhotels.com/prefe...rAirMilesTable
I apologize if I came across as attempting humor. Other than sister companies/partners, I have not seen a hotel rewards program that makes it possible to redeem points that way with partners and if my post implied that to be a negative, that was in error.
With regards to Starwood, I agree that you and others should make hay now just in case...
Unfortunately, until the original poster returns with updated info, we'll never have what we need to give accurate advice for his/her situation. I can see why some like the nights/flights feature of Marriott rewards. If one is heavy in those points, it is a way to diversify without chasing new card bonuses. At the same time, I'm glad that I don't value nights and flights as highly as you as those are the differences that foster competition among the hotel loyalty schemes to get our business. Marriott/Starwood is, hands down, the market leader in rooms worldwide. I'm just not a fan of the brand. However, I could switch within 2 years (not necessarily to them) if the recent Hyatt rewards program shakeup is as dire as some have predicted. Time will tell.
I apologize if I came across as attempting humor. Other than sister companies/partners, I have not seen a hotel rewards program that makes it possible to redeem points that way with partners and if my post implied that to be a negative, that was in error.
With regards to Starwood, I agree that you and others should make hay now just in case...
Unfortunately, until the original poster returns with updated info, we'll never have what we need to give accurate advice for his/her situation. I can see why some like the nights/flights feature of Marriott rewards. If one is heavy in those points, it is a way to diversify without chasing new card bonuses. At the same time, I'm glad that I don't value nights and flights as highly as you as those are the differences that foster competition among the hotel loyalty schemes to get our business. Marriott/Starwood is, hands down, the market leader in rooms worldwide. I'm just not a fan of the brand. However, I could switch within 2 years (not necessarily to them) if the recent Hyatt rewards program shakeup is as dire as some have predicted. Time will tell.
I also realized a mistake in that it actually is 2:1 SPG to United. So you are indeed right that if someone wants to go United, Chase is pretty much the best way. Though again, it is subjective that varies by person and depends on what your redemption strategy and goals are.
Apr 3, 2017, 11:57 pm
#265
Join Date: May 2012
Location: HNL
Programs: AS MVPG, HA Plat
Posts: 1,268
It depends on if you value UR or SPG points. As others have said, first take care of minimum spends.
Then you have two options: charge the rest on the SPG or convert your CSP to a Freedom Unlimited and put the balance on that (for 1.5x UR points). If you choose the latter, you don't even have to wait for the physical card, just need the account converted.
Then you have two options: charge the rest on the SPG or convert your CSP to a Freedom Unlimited and put the balance on that (for 1.5x UR points). If you choose the latter, you don't even have to wait for the physical card, just need the account converted.
Apr 4, 2017, 8:49 pm
#266
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: FAI
Programs: AS MVP Gold100K, AS 1MM, Maika`i Card, AGR, HH Gold, Hertz PC, Marriott Titanium LTG, CO, 7H, BA, 8E
Posts: 42,953
Welcome to Flyertalk tattedpassport.
As this is specific to Credit Cards, we'll move your post to that forum.
And a friendly note, Flyertalk rules prohibit cross posting. We'll merge your posts together.
~beckoa, co-moderator Information Desk
As this is specific to Credit Cards, we'll move your post to that forum.
And a friendly note, Flyertalk rules prohibit cross posting. We'll merge your posts together.
~beckoa, co-moderator Information Desk
Apr 4, 2017, 9:08 pm
#267
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,429
~
As this is specific to Credit Cards, we'll move your post to that forum.
And a friendly note, Flyertalk rules prohibit cross posting. We'll merge your posts together.
And a friendly note, Flyertalk rules prohibit cross posting. We'll merge your posts together.
Please follow and post in this thread only regarding this subject.
~moderator
Apr 8, 2017, 10:07 am
#268
Moderator: Chase Ultimate Rewards
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 2P, MR LT Plat, IHG Plat, BW Dia, HH Au, Avis PC
Posts: 5,456
I just reorganized and sorted the wiki to make it more usable and added two cards:
PenFed Power Cash Rewards (with Honors Advantage) - 2%
USBank Travel Rewards Visa - 2.125% when redeemed for $400 airline ticket
PenFed Power Cash Rewards (with Honors Advantage) - 2%
USBank Travel Rewards Visa - 2.125% when redeemed for $400 airline ticket
Last edited by MDtR-Chicago; Apr 8, 2017 at 10:13 am
Apr 10, 2017, 6:58 pm
#269
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 144
Biggest sign-up bonus offer?
I plan on making a few large purchases starting in May that will total around $5k+...looking to see how I can capitalize on that the best. According to nerdwallet, the biggest signup bonus offers right now are the Marriot Rewards Premier Visa (100k points with $5k spend in 3 months and an $85 fee) and the Hilton Honors Amex (80k points with 2k spend in 3 months, no fee).
The problem is, I generally value cash back or gift cards (at $1 per 100 points) as being more valuable than airline or hotel points. I travel cheaply, staying at budget hotels and flying whatever is cheapest. East coast to Europe roundtrip is 60k miles on UA, but I should be able to get a similar ticket for under $600 since I don't typical travel during peak holiday times.
So, how easy are those Marriott points or Hilton Points to turn into something worth at least $1/100 points? Or is there another card I should be looking at?
Another thought I had: I could get two Hilton Amex cards (one for me, one for my wife), and split the purchases between them, earning 160k points. Any other good ideas like this?
FYI, I already have an Amex Platinum, Amex Blue Cash Preferred, Capital One Spark Cash, and USAA Amex.
The problem is, I generally value cash back or gift cards (at $1 per 100 points) as being more valuable than airline or hotel points. I travel cheaply, staying at budget hotels and flying whatever is cheapest. East coast to Europe roundtrip is 60k miles on UA, but I should be able to get a similar ticket for under $600 since I don't typical travel during peak holiday times.
So, how easy are those Marriott points or Hilton Points to turn into something worth at least $1/100 points? Or is there another card I should be looking at?
Another thought I had: I could get two Hilton Amex cards (one for me, one for my wife), and split the purchases between them, earning 160k points. Any other good ideas like this?
FYI, I already have an Amex Platinum, Amex Blue Cash Preferred, Capital One Spark Cash, and USAA Amex.
Apr 10, 2017, 7:44 pm
#270
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
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Posts: 25,933
Well, then you shouldn't be looking for the biggest sign-up offers, because those won't generally correlate to the highest gift card translations.
Most airline/hotel cards are not designed for people who want gift cards. If they offer gift cards at all, it's just as an afterthought, and generally priced just for those people who can't figure out any better way to use miles/points. So you tend to have to dig down with each program to find out how much gift cards cost in that programs miles/points first, and then see what card signups are offered. One program may a totally different number of points for a given amount gift card than another program. Some programs will be worthless for gift cards (either because they don't offer them or because the value is too poor). So Don't start with the card signups. Start with researching which program offer gift cards, and for each them what the gift card cost in points/miles/whatever is.
A simple way would be to find a transferable points program that has such a gift card redemption. Perhaps Amex Membership Rewards (since you already have Amex Plat)? In that case, look for the best Amex MR signup offer for a card you've never had before, since they only give a signup bonus once per "lifetime" for each different card). And don't neglect business cards, if you had a personal version of an Amex card but never had the business version of that card to date, you can apply for the business card without actually having a business.
Most airline/hotel cards are not designed for people who want gift cards. If they offer gift cards at all, it's just as an afterthought, and generally priced just for those people who can't figure out any better way to use miles/points. So you tend to have to dig down with each program to find out how much gift cards cost in that programs miles/points first, and then see what card signups are offered. One program may a totally different number of points for a given amount gift card than another program. Some programs will be worthless for gift cards (either because they don't offer them or because the value is too poor). So Don't start with the card signups. Start with researching which program offer gift cards, and for each them what the gift card cost in points/miles/whatever is.
A simple way would be to find a transferable points program that has such a gift card redemption. Perhaps Amex Membership Rewards (since you already have Amex Plat)? In that case, look for the best Amex MR signup offer for a card you've never had before, since they only give a signup bonus once per "lifetime" for each different card). And don't neglect business cards, if you had a personal version of an Amex card but never had the business version of that card to date, you can apply for the business card without actually having a business.
Last edited by sdsearch; Apr 10, 2017 at 7:49 pm