The Emigrant is a 1% Cash Back card but cpaynter was referring to the opportunity cost of spending on the 1% NFL card vs any card offering 2%-5% (which most FWers have). However, you're right about the difference being only $2.02 vs a 2% card.
I also got the NFL card but I hate gift cards. So I will just use it for $200 worth of normal spending and I will have to wait to do that. The Emigrant Direct Visa was more convenient for me.
giantsfan2 said: The Emigrant is a 1% Cash Back card but cpaynter was referring to the opportunity cost of spending on the 1% NFL card vs any card offering 2%-5% (which most FWers have). However, you're right about the difference being only $2.02 vs a 2% card.
I also got the NFL card but I hate gift cards. So I will just use it for $200 worth of normal spending and I will have to wait to do that. The Emigrant Direct Visa was more convenient for me.
when you're talking about $200 free, the opportunity cost between a 1% and a 2% card is irrelevant. That's like saying I don't want to sign up for credit card signup bonuses because it means I won't be able to use my 5% gas card for the next two months trying to meet the spending requirement.
I'd rather have a signup bonus of $500 spending $3k in 3 months than get 5% on spending $3,000 = $150.
Clearly the current sign-up bonuses for most cards beat any recurring rewards people have on their existing cards. There are many hot deals which is why there is so much discussion about how many of them to sign up for at once. The discussion in the last few posts was to compare the hotness and convenience of the ED card signup bonus to other ones. To sum up: the NFL card bonus is hot, the targeted ED card bonus is slightly hotter, and any bonus greater than $200 with reasonable spending requirements is probably even better.
imbatman said: when you're talking about $200 free, the opportunity cost between a 1% and a 2% card is irrelevant. That's like saying I don't want to sign up for credit card signup bonuses because it means I won't be able to use my 5% gas card for the next two months trying to meet the spending requirement.
I'd rather have a signup bonus of $500 spending $3k in 3 months than get 5% on spending $3,000 = $150.
I agree that the discussion is somewhat silly when talking about $200, but your example actually makes it more valid. I have been putting off some sign up bonuses while I've had the AARP card. Assuming a $500 for $3,000 spend offer is a 1% card, you earn $530, but are giving up $150 if you have a 5% card. So the bonus is really only $380. That's still a good offer, but since the AARP is temporary, I'd rather gamble that the good sign up bonuses will still be around once it's over for an extra $150. It (two AARPs) also gave me a break from inquiries and new accounts.
Either way, the NFL card is better than the ED card because I could get the NFL card
BingBlangBlaow said: imbatman said: when you're talking about $200 free, the opportunity cost between a 1% and a 2% card is irrelevant. That's like saying I don't want to sign up for credit card signup bonuses because it means I won't be able to use my 5% gas card for the next two months trying to meet the spending requirement.
I'd rather have a signup bonus of $500 spending $3k in 3 months than get 5% on spending $3,000 = $150.
I agree that the discussion is somewhat silly when talking about $200, but your example actually makes it more valid. I have been putting off some sign up bonuses while I've had the AARP card. Assuming a $500 for $3,000 spend offer is a 1% card, you earn $530, but are giving up $150 if you have a 5% card. So the bonus is really only $380. That's still a good offer, but since the AARP is temporary, I'd rather gamble that the good sign up bonuses will still be around once it's over for an extra $150. It (two AARPs) also gave me a break from inquiries and new accounts.
Either way, the NFL card is better than the ED card because I could get the NFL card
Yea, I realized this about a year ago. I've ramped up my CC apps, and putting everything I possibly can on them to get the signup bonuses. Even if it means I'm paying 3% fees on mortgages through chargesmart it's getting me something like like a 30% return on my spending if it's contributing to additional signup bonuses that I wouldn't normally be able to get through my regular no-fee spending. Too many good bonuses to be taken advantage of.
All signup bonuses have to be evaluated in terms of your spending levels and current credit card portfolio. The AARP 5% bonus was never hot for me since my spending levels are low and I've had a 2% card and a 5% gas/grocery card for years. So getting an extra 3% on my normal spending (with no obvious spending upgrade opportunities) for six months wouldn't amount to much. Getting travel card bonuses from Chase (and not getting rejected by them due to a recent AARP card opening) and picking up one of the frequent several hundred dollar sign-up bonuses is worth a lot more to me.
imbatman said: giantsfan2 said: imbatman said: Barclays nfl card $200 after first purchase - not targeted in response to previous post. That's a great offer too. However, it requires spending $200 on card purchases since that's the only way you can redeem. The Emigrant Direct Visa is hotter since you can spend as little as a penny and then you can request $200 via ACH transfer. So those who had these savings accounts should watch their mailboxes for the offer.
It's pretty easy to goto a store and purchase a gift card for $202.02 (which would give 20202 pts or a 202.02 statement credit)then use the statement credit to pay off the balance. Free $202.02 gift card.
If you're making a big purchase, the statement credit can be applied to that purchase, no need to ACH to a checking account and then pay off the credit card bill from the checking account. redemption rounded up to nearest dollar so best do $202 charge (202.02 uses 20300 points)
i got approved for one my Citi AAdvantage card which is great. i also applied for and got turned down for the Chase Ink, and Chase Mariott is pending me calling them back and verifying I initiated the application.
the thing is i now want the Chase Southwest Airlines card. how can i tell Chase I don't want the Marriott one anymore and that I want to apply for the Southwest card. also, i already have another Chase cc that I opened in 2006 and use regularly. my credit limit on that one is $16k. do you think i can negotiate somehow by asking them to reduce my credit limit on that one and do you think they might approve the Southwest card based on that?
You should pick one chase card that you want. If its southwest. Submit the application for that before calling in Then call the reconsideration line. Ask them first to approve your highest priority card(I'd pick either ink or SW). If they approve It upon reconsideration. Awesome. If not. Then ask if you can move some of your old existing credit line over to a new application. That is something chase regularly will do. If you get your highest priority card. You can try calling back and doing that for the second highest priority card. That will be a big YMMV. I am fairly certain you won't get all three cards approved. I've gotten 2 chase cards approved before. Have answers prepped for why you want a card. (ie. I'll be flying sw a lot and that card makes a lot of sense for my upcoming spending)
I think you need to concern any of your local town bank where your account is existing and they will suggest you better as per financial tracks etc. They will tell you about the limit for the cash etc .
decorz said: I think you need to concern any of your local town bank where your account is existing and they will suggest you better as per financial tracks etc. They will tell you about the limit for the cash etc .
By any chance, do you write instruction manuals to Chinese-made products for a living?
Just wondering what peoples thoughts are on an "everyday spend" Visa or MC.
I use the SPG AMEX as my regular card (I travel quite a bit and I value the points at 3-6 cents each by redeeming for hotels or international travel). There are a lot of places that don't take AMEX- for those, I used to use a Citi PremierPass but with TY devaluation and citi discontinuing the product, I switched to a United Visa from Chase, but since the United merger I've been seriously disappointed with their service and I'm looking into something new.
Is there anything better than the 1.5% fidelity investment rewards card? A travel program? I fly United and AA and stay at SPG and Marriott, so those are the obvious choices.. is it worth the annual fee anymore? Programs are getting devalued left and right.
oopsz said: Just wondering what peoples thoughts are on an "everyday spend" Visa or MC.
I use the SPG AMEX as my regular card (I travel quite a bit and I value the points at 3-6 cents each by redeeming for hotels or international travel). There are a lot of places that don't take AMEX- for those, I used to use a Citi PremierPass but with TY devaluation and citi discontinuing the product, I switched to a United Visa from Chase, but since the United merger I've been seriously disappointed with their service and I'm looking into something new.
Is there anything better than the 1.5% fidelity investment rewards card? A travel program? I fly United and AA and stay at SPG and Marriott, so those are the obvious choices.. is it worth the annual fee anymore? Programs are getting devalued left and right.
Priceline 2% visa. Or get AMEX blue cash preferred. Use it to buy $500 visa gift cards at grocery. Use those gift cards where AMEX is not accepted.
To your other question My current every day card is delta plat AMEX until I spend 25k. I value skymiles at 1.4 cents per point. Spend 25 k. Get 35k skymiles and 10k MQM. I value all that at more than 2 cpp.
Updated the quicksummary. There's a similar, but differentoffer for the Delta Gold AMEX. Same sign up bonus, but it also provides an additional $50 statement credit on first Delta purchase made in the first three months of cardmembership (buy a Delta ticket in the first three months, get a $50 bonus).
Moderator Comment: Please be sure the links you provide are the most direct possible. Thanks! — May. 15, 2012 @ 4:44pm
ScottieBoysName
Member
rated:
updated:
May. 9, 2012 @ 3:49p
posted: May. 9, 2012 @ 3:49p
I currently have an AMEX Starwood card that I run close to $50k a year through. I put EVERYTHING on it, all bills, all hotel stays that are paid by my company, etc. I travel, a lot. No flying though.
Is there a card that would suit me better? The reason I'm asking is AMEX decided they WOUDLN'T let me transfer my BLUE Miles credit line to my Starwood. I pay in full, all the time, and they still wouldn't do it.
Chase had zero issues doing this with my Freedom Card instantly over the phone.
ScottieBoysName said: I currently have an AMEX Starwood card that I run close to $50k a year through. I put EVERYTHING on it, all bills, all hotel stays that are paid by my company, etc. I travel, a lot. No flying though.
Is there a card that would suit me better? The reason I'm asking is AMEX decided they WOUDLN'T let me transfer my BLUE Miles credit line to my Starwood. I pay in full, all the time, and they still wouldn't do it.
Chase had zero issues doing this with my Freedom Card instantly over the phone.
Thoughts?
What do you spend the majority of your money on? (travel? office supplies? groceries? utilities?) How many nights a year do you spend at SPG properties? Is it enough to maintain gold status without the card? Would you rather have cash or points? Is SPG your preferred hotel program? What's your second choice? What status do you have there? Do you travel internationally (I'm guessing no since you don't fly)?
imbatman said: ScottieBoysName said: I currently have an AMEX Starwood card that I run close to $50k a year through. I put EVERYTHING on it, all bills, all hotel stays that are paid by my company, etc. I travel, a lot. No flying though.
Is there a card that would suit me better? The reason I'm asking is AMEX decided they WOUDLN'T let me transfer my BLUE Miles credit line to my Starwood. I pay in full, all the time, and they still wouldn't do it.
Chase had zero issues doing this with my Freedom Card instantly over the phone.
Thoughts?
What do you spend the majority of your money on? (travel? office supplies? groceries? utilities?) How many nights a year do you spend at SPG properties? Is it enough to maintain gold status without the card? Would you rather have cash or points? Is SPG your preferred hotel program? What's your second choice? What status do you have there? Do you travel internationally (I'm guessing no since you don't fly)?
1. I spend the majority of my purchase on Merchandise and Acces. 2. I don't spend any nights at SPG properties. I haven't used ANY of the points I've accumulated over the past few years. I was thinking of cashing them in on a vacation in the next few years. 3. Honestly....I'm not sure whether cash or points. Depends on what I can get out of the points. I have a Chase Freedom card I use for Cash Back. 4. No international travel.
I'm not sure what Acces is, but it sounds like you might be better of with a 2% CashBack credit card. I suggest 2% fidelity AMEX. There are ways to accumulate more, but with no specific goals, no specific category spending, and no preferred points network. CashBack may be the best option for you.
I've got 125,000 points with Starwood right now. I was planning on using that on a honeymoon somewhere, I'm not sure how far that would get me.
I'm about to have twins, so we aren't traveling ANYWHERE for a LOOOOOONG time. LOL. Is there a CashBack card that is better than my Chase Freedom Card?
Is Starwood pretty much the cream of the crop as far as travel cards go?
I've got 125,000 points with Starwood right now. I was planning on using that on a honeymoon somewhere, I'm not sure how far that would get me.
I'm about to have twins, so we aren't traveling ANYWHERE for a LOOOOOONG time. LOL. Is there a CashBack card that is better than my Chase Freedom Card?
Is Starwood pretty much the cream of the crop as far as travel cards go?
125k starwood points is solid. It will get you 6 nights at any St. Regis hotel (very nice luxury hotel, usually goes for 300-400/night if it's not on special - 2 cents per point or 2%), 10 nights at Westin resorts (Westin Verasa Napa Valley which is $200-250/night- just under 2 cents per point or just under 2%), or 12 nights at most Sheraton hotels that are not on special (anywhere from 100-250 a night depending on the property - anywhere from 1 to 2.2 cents per point 1-2.2%). You can get the best value using the points+cash option when reserving (4k points plus $80 for a $200/night room). Most people have loyalty to a hotel brand. Starwood is definitely solid. If you rack up a ton of points, Hilton and Marriott points are worthwile, BUT spending on the SPG AMEX typically has the best return/dollar (1 point/dollar, which you also get on the Marriott card, and I value SPG points more than Marriott points). In terms of travel cards, the Starwood card has good value. If you have 150k HHonors points and the HHonors AMEX (gives a discount on points redemptions), you can get a week at a resort in the Maldives (Indian Ocean).
Chase Freedom card is a 1% CashBack card, with 5% on rotating categories (for $1500 in purchases in quarterly categories), you would probably be better off with a 2% card for all your purchases (and use your Chase Freedom card for the 5% rotating categories.
Unless you want to have multiple cards for different spending categories.. Or you can stick with the SPG AMEX, spend 30k a year, get gold status at starwood properties. If you're spending 50k a year, you could get another card that will give you a bonus for spending 20k in a year.
I checked, and I have gold status on the SPG AMEX now.
Doing some quick adding on which would be worth more, I'm going to try an example.
Even on the best CB card that doesn't exist, let's say I put 100k through a card....the MOST I'd get back is $5k if it was a 5% card. There's no way I'd put a $100k through one, $50k is more likely.
So which is actually worth more, $5,000 or 100,000 Star Points?
See where I'm going with this? Even then, you can directly convert Starwood points to miles on ANY airline, correct? That in itself is makes 100,000 Starwood points worth more than $5,000....right?
On the flip side...when in the HELL am I ever going to have a vacation to use those points with a set of twins due in October? LOL.
Can someone elaborate on this Chase Freedom card reward?
A 10% bonus on all base points earned on your Chase Freedom (ie not on bonus points). In other words, you will earn 1 point for each $1 of net purchases made on your Freedom card. As a Chase checking customer, you will also earn 1 bonus point for each $10 of net purchases (which equates to 10% of base points earned).
viperx116 said: Can someone elaborate on this Chase Freedom card reward?
A 10% bonus on all base points earned on your Chase Freedom (ie not on bonus points). In other words, you will earn 1 point for each $1 of net purchases made on your Freedom card. As a Chase checking customer, you will also earn 1 bonus point for each $10 of net purchases (which equates to 10% of base points earned).
1) Spend $1,000 2) Get 1,000 bonus points (1 point per dollar) 3) Later, you will receive 100 "bonus" points, because 100 is 10% of 1,000.
So you will eventually earn a total of 1,100 points (1.1%) for every $1,000 you spend, instead of the usual 1,000 points (1.0%). Don't get too excited now...
viperx116 said: Can someone elaborate on this Chase Freedom card reward?
A 10% bonus on all base points earned on your Chase Freedom (ie not on bonus points). In other words, you will earn 1 point for each $1 of net purchases made on your Freedom card. As a Chase checking customer, you will also earn 1 bonus point for each $10 of net purchases (which equates to 10% of base points earned).
To put it another way, you'll earn 5.1% on purchases that qualify for the quarterly bonus, 1.1% on all other purchases.
ScottieBoysName said: I checked, and I have gold status on the SPG AMEX now.
Doing some quick adding on which would be worth more, I'm going to try an example.
Even on the best CB card that doesn't exist, let's say I put 100k through a card....the MOST I'd get back is $5k if it was a 5% card. There's no way I'd put a $100k through one, $50k is more likely.
So which is actually worth more, $5,000 or 100,000 Star Points?
See where I'm going with this? Even then, you can directly convert Starwood points to miles on ANY airline, correct? That in itself is makes 100,000 Starwood points worth more than $5,000....right?
On the flip side...when in the HELL am I ever going to have a vacation to use those points with a set of twins due in October? LOL.
First, you don't have gold status on your SPG AMEX - you have Gold Status on your Starwood Preferred Member account - you always get that when you spend $30k on your SPG AMEX in a year. It's a perk. If you spent $50k on your SPG AMEX, it makes sense for you to have SPG Gold Status.
If you can find a card that gives 5% on all spending up to 100k - go with that one. But it doesn't exist. $5,000 would be worth more than 100,000 SPG points, unless you can get 5 cents per point out of your SPG points (possible, but very difficult). With one Chase Freedom card, the best you can do is 5% on $6,000, and 1% on $94,000 - or .05*6000+.01*94000 = $1240 CashBack (1.24%) a straight 2% card will get you $2000 CashBack on 100k spending in a year. The SPG card would net 100k points. Keep in mind that 100k SPG points can be transferred to their airline partners with a 25% bonus. i.e. 100k SPG points can be turned into 125k Delta Skymiles - at a minimum using "pay with points" 125k skymiles is worth $1250 in airfare. Last year, I turned 120k skymiles into $3000 (2 first class round trip tickets that were $1500 a piece), which made the miles worth 2.5 cents a piece (2.5%). so at a minimum, I would say 100k SPG points = $1250 (1.25%). 2.5-3% is easily attainable.
So the questions are: What's worth more - $1240 or 100k SPG points? 100k SPG points unless you redeem the points for cruddy value.
What's worth more - $2000 or 100k SPG points? Depends. 100k SPG points can easily be redeemed for less than $2,000, and they can easily be redeemed for more than $2,000. Depends on how you use them.
Don't forget Nights and Flights. You can turn 60,000 or 70,000 SPG points (Cat 3 or 4) into five nights at a Starwood hotel AND 50,000 airline miles.
With Nights and Flights, you could redeem 120k starwood miles for 100k airmiles, get two Coach flights to europe or south america and 10 nights in a hotel. Your only out of pocket costs are cabs, museums and food.
(This is how my wife and I did our honeymoon.. only we transferred an additional 20k spg miles and went in business class with a US Airways off-peak award).
Need to buy quite a bit of furniture for a new apartment and need a good reward card to put it on. Any ideas? Looking mainly for an opening bonus for up to $3k spent.
Cash bonus preferable but if mile bonus is good, might use that. Should I just go for Sapphire Preferred and then downgrade it to plain Sapphire?
In addition, I'll probably open up the Barclay NFL card as they hit TU I believe for the $200.
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