Master or VISA or both?
 

Which card should I use, or both, as I am confused by the relative benefits of each and the differences if there are, in fact, any.

I have a MasterCard Presidential Plus and a VISA Mileage Plus Explorer (that I recently picked up just for the bonus miles). I am a Lifetime Gold, usually a Plat and occasionally 1K. I have a lifetime UA Club membership, so my annual fee for the Presidential Plus is reduced accordingly.

My goals are to maintain status at Platinum or above, to accumulate miles so that when traveling abroad I can use miles for BF for my wife and upgrades for myself (I buy my ticket so as to accumulate EQM).

SO, should I use one card or the other, or both?

Thanks for any thoughtful input.:confused:

PP waives PQDs for 2014.

Personally, I'd keep both, and use each card where it best helps that particular purchase.

Doesn't help for 1K qualification though, which frankly is the minimum Elite Status worth having.

Thanks, but what I can't figure out what either one might do for me that the other doesn't. Are there any differences so far as UA Mileage Plus is concerned?

I knew that. I will work out the 1K problem independent of the cards.
:)

Given your circumstances, it appears that the only card "benefit" you are using is the miles / dollar feature. Given your goals, I would say that it all depends on whether the extra 1/2 mile / dollar you earn on the "club" card is worth the increased annual fee (which you indicated is less than the standard $395 because you are LT UC).

I don't believe I would keep both cards.

I'd keep two cards. But not these.

The PP is at a reduced rate already due to Lifetime UC, and you get $60 against the MP Explorer as a 1K. However, if you can cancel MP Explorer, and get Chase Sapphire Preferred, the $60 credit should go to PP.

I'd ensure I spend $25K a year on PP and spend on CSP for the great 2x/3x bonuses offered. Once your miles are in UR, you can transfer 1:1 to UA MP, plus a 7% bonus.