Master or VISA or both?
Jul 17, 2013 | 8:10 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: ewr pbi
Programs: Premier 1K (Former CO Plat)
Posts: 135
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.
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.
Jul 17, 2013 | 8:32 am
#3
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Central Florida
Programs: MP 1K/Onepass Plat 1MM, SPG Plat, Marriott Plat
Posts: 565
Jul 17, 2013 | 8:40 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: ewr pbi
Programs: Premier 1K (Former CO Plat)
Posts: 135
Jul 17, 2013 | 10:02 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Klagetoh
Posts: 24,176
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 don't believe I would keep both cards.
Jul 17, 2013 | 10:20 am
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Jersey Shore/YYZ
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC
Posts: 12,529
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.
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.