Help with card strategy
 

I'm sure you're all bored of seeing a thousand of these questions. So another drop in the bucket here. But I'll try to be specific in my questions.

I am currently in the Amex MR and Citi TYP programs. I consider Amex my primary as it is my oldest account among transferables. I am not in and never have been in Chase UR. So now, if I'm going to apply for my next and am considering UR, these are what I'm unsure about:

1. Let's say I'm a hog and want to absorb bonuses for both the CSP and CSR at some point. I don't anticipate getting the CSR, waiting 2 years, canceling it and going CSP. I don't think I'll do more than 1 app each. After that I'll stay in the system without canceling. So CSP first, wait 2 years, then cancel & get CSR looks like it. Fully aware cards may not exist in their current form then.
2. What I don't like about the above is that for the next 2 years I will have to use the CSP, when I already have the ThankYou Premier. 3 active transferable programs is too much for me and my usage. It's gotta be MR + one other, either TYP or UR. Seems to me the TYPremier is a better earner than the CSP (also considering retention bonuses are giving me pretty much 2x general earning on TYP for months to come). I am aware of claims about the valuation of these points, although unsure about the veracity of such. What would you do?
3. I know the answer here may be... "depends on your travel patterns". I am not a huge traveler. My travel dollars are spent much more on international than domestic. Therefore, I don't find many overseas carrier miles useless. I don't care for Southwest. Does UR then really fare that much better than TY? I do appreciate the value of United and using it for international partners - have done so before. Can you in your collective wisdom help me see what TY does that MR doesn't, in terms of airlines (travel to Asia, perhaps EU). Similarly, what UR does that TY doesn't?
4. Definitely, UR has value for hotels that TY doesn't. I don't come by many hotel points, so this is a strong point.
5. My confusion here is: Should I go UR and ditch TY? If so, it will probably be with the CSP (is that worth it)? If I don't go UR (and ditch TY), then I will keep an eye on grabbing the Prestige end of year and in the meanwhile I will have to swing for a non-5/24 Chase card.
6. Non-5/24 because I am exactly at 5/24 now and if I wait until I cross that threshold I will pass the time limit for canceling my current (and only) Chase card without paying the fee. In case there is no retention. I don't want to surrender the credit limit. So what card would you recommend for this? My current Chase is the BA. I've had the United in the past. Maybe something else?

First-world problems if ever there were any, but thank you for your indulgence.

You can pretty much forget about Chase UR cards until you are under 5/24. Makes the rest of the conversation pretty much DOA.

The 5/24 applies. However, you should also consider the Chase Freedom Unlimited. It is giving 3% for a year (1.5% thereafter). You can transfer points to CSR when you open the account.

PS There is a rumour that Chase will discontinue the transfers.

To both answers, I am aware of 5/24, but will be under in a month or so.

So, with that in mind, would you go CSP and replace TYPremier? Given Southwest is a dont-care and travel pattern is mostly international to Asia.

Besides, what about non 5-24 cards?

The 3% deal seems to be dead to new applicants. https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/chas...-months-9.html

Since you don't mind oversea airlines, thankyou system could fit your use better. You can book flight on UA partners by transferring to Avianca lifemiles or Singapore airlines.

Thank you premier is a strong card with 3 pts travel AND gas, 2pts dining and entertainment, along with price protection, 1 yr longer extended warranty and better travel insurance. Citi is more generous in retention to cover annual fee. They are also not as neurotic as Chase which could close all your cards due to "suspected" usage patterns

if hotel is important to you, get the thankyou prestige card when they offer bonus again. The 4th night free on any hotel is a very popular feature among frequent flyers, and can save you thousands.