When to use which card to maximize points earning?
Feb 2, 2018 | 8:41 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: DTW
Programs: UR, MR, AA, DL, HH, IHG, Bonvoy
Posts: 41
When to use which card to maximize points earning?
Hi all-
In an effort to some day get a vacation (ideally to Hawaii) I've been getting a variety of cards. I've had the SPG Amex for probably 10 years now. I jumped on the CSR in Oct 16 when it came out. And since then I've acquired a few more. I'm always at a loss as when it's best to use which cards. So I'd love any advice you have! My goal is to accumulate the most points I can obviously to use for travel. DTW is mainly a Delta Hub but I've found myself on a few AA flights the past year so I picked up that card too (for the points offer and the free luggage).
CSR - I find myself just defaulting to use this most of the time
Amex SPG Biz
Amex SPG personal (rarely use)
Amex Delta Gold
Amex Hilton Honors
Barclay AA Red Aviator
Spirit MC (hey don't judge, LOL)
Do I continue to default to the CSR since that's the most transferable? Or does it make sense to use the other cards for certain things? I use them when booking brand specific currently since often you get bonus points for using their credit card; ie delta when booking a delta flight.
And just verifying as long as you use a card at least once a year (in most cases) it keeps your points/miles from expiring, correct?
Thanks!
In an effort to some day get a vacation (ideally to Hawaii) I've been getting a variety of cards. I've had the SPG Amex for probably 10 years now. I jumped on the CSR in Oct 16 when it came out. And since then I've acquired a few more. I'm always at a loss as when it's best to use which cards. So I'd love any advice you have! My goal is to accumulate the most points I can obviously to use for travel. DTW is mainly a Delta Hub but I've found myself on a few AA flights the past year so I picked up that card too (for the points offer and the free luggage).
CSR - I find myself just defaulting to use this most of the time
Amex SPG Biz
Amex SPG personal (rarely use)
Amex Delta Gold
Amex Hilton Honors
Barclay AA Red Aviator
Spirit MC (hey don't judge, LOL)
Do I continue to default to the CSR since that's the most transferable? Or does it make sense to use the other cards for certain things? I use them when booking brand specific currently since often you get bonus points for using their credit card; ie delta when booking a delta flight.
And just verifying as long as you use a card at least once a year (in most cases) it keeps your points/miles from expiring, correct?
Thanks!
Feb 4, 2018 | 9:15 am
#3
Join Date: Sep 2011
Programs: Virgin Atlantic Silver, IHG Diamond, Bonvoy Gold, Hilton Diamond, AA Platinum Pro, Sixt Diamond
Posts: 1,478
Also, if it's SkyMiles you're after, get an Amex Blue Business Plus -- 2 MR for every dollar charged on all spend up to first $50K yearly. The points can be transferred 1:1, not only to Delta SkyMiles rather to a variety of programs.
Feb 4, 2018 | 7:33 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: home = LAX
Posts: 26,113
Hi all-
In an effort to some day get a vacation (ideally to Hawaii) I've been getting a variety of cards. I've had the SPG Amex for probably 10 years now. I jumped on the CSR in Oct 16 when it came out. And since then I've acquired a few more. I'm always at a loss as when it's best to use which cards. So I'd love any advice you have! My goal is to accumulate the most points I can obviously to use for travel. DTW is mainly a Delta Hub but I've found myself on a few AA flights the past year so I picked up that card too (for the points offer and the free luggage).
CSR - I find myself just defaulting to use this most of the time
Amex SPG Biz
Amex SPG personal (rarely use)
Amex Delta Gold
Amex Hilton Honors
Barclay AA Red Aviator
Spirit MC (hey don't judge, LOL)
Do I continue to default to the CSR since that's the most transferable? Or does it make sense to use the other cards for certain things? I use them when booking brand specific currently since often you get bonus points for using their credit card; ie delta when booking a delta flight.
And just verifying as long as you use a card at least once a year (in most cases) it keeps your points/miles from expiring, correct?
Thanks!
In an effort to some day get a vacation (ideally to Hawaii) I've been getting a variety of cards. I've had the SPG Amex for probably 10 years now. I jumped on the CSR in Oct 16 when it came out. And since then I've acquired a few more. I'm always at a loss as when it's best to use which cards. So I'd love any advice you have! My goal is to accumulate the most points I can obviously to use for travel. DTW is mainly a Delta Hub but I've found myself on a few AA flights the past year so I picked up that card too (for the points offer and the free luggage).
CSR - I find myself just defaulting to use this most of the time
Amex SPG Biz
Amex SPG personal (rarely use)
Amex Delta Gold
Amex Hilton Honors
Barclay AA Red Aviator
Spirit MC (hey don't judge, LOL)
Do I continue to default to the CSR since that's the most transferable? Or does it make sense to use the other cards for certain things? I use them when booking brand specific currently since often you get bonus points for using their credit card; ie delta when booking a delta flight.
And just verifying as long as you use a card at least once a year (in most cases) it keeps your points/miles from expiring, correct?
Thanks!
The SPG Biz card will morph into the biz card for the combined Marriott/Ritz/Starwood program. The SPG Personal card will stop being issued, likely within the next year; it's not clear yet what will happen to existing SPG perosnal cards that are left open.
Feb 7, 2018 | 11:12 am
#5
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: TYS/BNA/ATL
Programs: UR, TYP, MR, C1, WF, AA, UA, WN, BA, AS, AV, AC, Choice, Hyatt, IHG, Hilton, Wyndham, Marriott
Posts: 2,371
Feb 7, 2018 | 11:13 am
#6
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: TYS/BNA/ATL
Programs: UR, TYP, MR, C1, WF, AA, UA, WN, BA, AS, AV, AC, Choice, Hyatt, IHG, Hilton, Wyndham, Marriott
Posts: 2,371
I'd also recommend Amex Everyday Preferred for groceries/gas 4.5x/3x