FlyerTalk Forums - Which Visa or mastercard

Quote:

Originally Posted by SimpleManToo (Post 7640726)

Trying to accumulate airline points on either Delta or Northwest but don't fly that often and usually only a short distance when I do. I was wondering which Visa or Mastercard is best to have if you want to rack up airline miles without flying much. I stay in a lot of hotels but most of my travel is by car so my business expenses are mostly gas and hotel rooms. Knowing that, which Visa or Mastercard is going to be best for getting air miles on Delta or Northwest Airlines and Why.

Also I have always thought it was better to have a low say (say 8.9%) VS. having an affinity card so like to read some schools of thought on that as well.

If you want Northwest miles, your only choice in Visa or Mastercard is:

- US Bank WorldPerks Visa

If you want Delta miles, your only choice in Mastercard is:

- Citi Diners Club Mastercard (This is a charge card, not a credit card)

If you are willing to accept an AMEX card, consider:

- AMEX Starwood Preferred Guest - Transfers to Delta or Northwest at 1 SPG:1 DL/NW or 20,000 SPG:25,000 DL/NW
- AMEX Delta Regular/Gold/Platinum - 2 miles per $ spent for some purchases, plus an annual bonus for certain spending levels

IMHO - the AMEX cards are best. You will not get a good interest rate on any of these cards (AMEX/VS/MC). If you want to carry a balance, get a card for large purchases and one of these cards for rewards. The best interest rates available on reward cards come from MBNA. However these cards do not transfer to NW/DL.