Prioritizing Delta and SPG/Marriott...what to combine with SPG Luxury?
Aug 31, 2018, 10:46 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2016
Programs: Delta Skymiles, Ritz Carlton Rewards,
Posts: 15
Prioritizing Delta and SPG/Marriott...what to combine with SPG Luxury?
Hi everyone,
I'm a Delta flyer who wants to prioritize earning Delta miles and Marriott points (preferred hotel chain). Not concerned with MQM bonuses on the Plat or Reserve Delta cards, since I should now be able to hit Platinum organically. I recently upgraded to the SPG Luxury on the 125k point offer, and plan to run my travel/dining through this card.
However, I'm still looking for the best complimentary card for it to use on non-cat spending. It seems like MR would be the way to go, so at first, I was considering the Amex EDP. But I don't do a ton of grocery shopping (other than at Costco where they don't take AmEx) and my gas expenditure would be about 100-175 a month.
Scores are as follows: 750 TU, 755 EX, 758 EQ. Currently 2/24.
If someone could recommend a card (or two) to combine with the SPG luxury to prioritize Delta and Marriott rewards, I'd appreciate it.
I'm a Delta flyer who wants to prioritize earning Delta miles and Marriott points (preferred hotel chain). Not concerned with MQM bonuses on the Plat or Reserve Delta cards, since I should now be able to hit Platinum organically. I recently upgraded to the SPG Luxury on the 125k point offer, and plan to run my travel/dining through this card.
However, I'm still looking for the best complimentary card for it to use on non-cat spending. It seems like MR would be the way to go, so at first, I was considering the Amex EDP. But I don't do a ton of grocery shopping (other than at Costco where they don't take AmEx) and my gas expenditure would be about 100-175 a month.
Scores are as follows: 750 TU, 755 EX, 758 EQ. Currently 2/24.
If someone could recommend a card (or two) to combine with the SPG luxury to prioritize Delta and Marriott rewards, I'd appreciate it.
Sep 1, 2018, 4:38 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Intermountain West
Programs: Too many to list
Posts: 12,082
Because of the new rules for Marriott/SPG cards https://frequentmiler.boardingarea.c...it-card-rules/ you're going to have to wait 24 mo. to get the Chase Marriott or Marriott Biz cards, since you recently got the SPG Luxury & bonus. Go for the DL card.
Sep 1, 2018, 6:24 pm
#3
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,958
American Express Blue Business Plus earns 2 points per dollar on ALL spending up to $50,000 per year, the card is free, and the points transfer 1000:1000 to both Delta and Marriott. There is a small excise tax fee for transfers to Delta, but not to foreign flag airlines or hotel partners.
Sep 3, 2018, 9:09 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2016
Programs: Delta Skymiles, Ritz Carlton Rewards,
Posts: 15
American Express Blue Business Plus earns 2 points per dollar on ALL spending up to $50,000 per year, the card is free, and the points transfer 1000:1000 to both Delta and Marriott. There is a small excise tax fee for transfers to Delta, but not to foreign flag airlines or hotel partners.
Sep 3, 2018, 10:04 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Bye Delta
Programs: AA EXP, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Plat, Nat'l Exec Elite, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 16,276
You don’t really need a business to apply for a business card. You can apply as a sole proprietor, just put your business income as $0.
For category spend, you really should be considering the Amex Platinum. Cheapest out-of-pocket SkyClub access, and 5x MR on airfare that can be transferred to DL 1:1. I think there are much better uses of MR than converting to Delta since Delta miles are among the weakest there are, but if DL is your thing you can transfer there.
Also, never transfer 1:1 from a credit card like Amex to a hotel like Marriott... absurdly poor value.
For category spend, you really should be considering the Amex Platinum. Cheapest out-of-pocket SkyClub access, and 5x MR on airfare that can be transferred to DL 1:1. I think there are much better uses of MR than converting to Delta since Delta miles are among the weakest there are, but if DL is your thing you can transfer there.
Also, never transfer 1:1 from a credit card like Amex to a hotel like Marriott... absurdly poor value.
Sep 3, 2018, 10:25 am
#6
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,958
Sep 3, 2018, 10:54 am
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Bye Delta
Programs: AA EXP, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Plat, Nat'l Exec Elite, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 16,276
Sep 3, 2018, 11:11 am
#8
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,958