Questions and Answers

Hello Lucky,

I know you are an avid flier of American. I happen to be a big United guy. I am 22 and I am a million miler on United and member of Global Services. I am just finishing up my senior year of college and I am looking for a good, well really the best, travel credit card. I was originally going to go with the United Club card but I have been getting cold feet since I have looked at the current offers. I was wondering what your thoughts were on the MasterCard Luxury Cards. Are any of them worth it and if so, why do you think the Citi Prestige Card is better?

Thank you so much and as always, safe travels.

From Washington DC, three blocks west of The White House,
Bradley Mueller

Hello Bradley Mueller

Are you thinking about these overpriced cash back cards?
[URL]http://www.luxurycard.com/[/URL]
Annual fees would kill any value you get from unless you have very high spend each year.

From TPG
[URL]http://thepointsguy.com/2016/01/are-the-new-luxury-cards-worth-it/[/URL]

Also, unfortunately there is no such thing as the “best travel card”. It really depends on what your needs are. If you discuss what you are looking for we might be able to offer better suggestions.

Good Evening,

Yes I was talking about those over priced cards. I have two friends who currently hold them (both the black and gold) and they really seem to like them.

I am really looking for a card that offers great opportunities for earning lots of miles, easy redemption, and the bonus of lounge access. I do most of my traveling on United however I do travel a lot on American so that is the main reason I am torn.

Thank you again for all of your help

[USER=1789]@Bradley Mueller[/USER] seems like you’re probably getting every benefit that UA has to offer being a part of GS. With that in mind I’d probably look at the Citi Pretige. Solid bonused spend for someone who travels a lot, the fourth night free benefit if you can use it, lounge access for you + 2 at Priority Pass lounges and access to AA lounges as well. The annual airline reimbursement helps with the annual fee so it should be a no-brainer to at least try for a year.

[QUOTE=”Gaurav, post: 15592, member: 79″][USER=1789]@Bradley Mueller[/USER] seems like you’re probably getting every benefit that UA has to offer being a part of GS. With that in mind I’d probably look at the Citi Pretige. Solid bonused spend for someone who travels a lot, the fourth night free benefit if you can use it, lounge access for you + 2 at Priority Pass lounges and access to AA lounges as well. The annual airline reimbursement helps with the annual fee so it should be a no-brainer to at least try for a year.[/QUOTE]

Thank you so much for advice, I think I am going to do that. One last question for you if I may. What are your thoughts on the United Club Card?

I dont think that card will be any more beneficial to you since you have Global Services, unless you really value UA Club access even when not flying UA or Star Alliance.

As a Global Services member, you’re already entitled to Star Gold and lounge access when flying on a Star Alliance flight, free checked bags, better award availability, award fee waivers, better seat selection and priority access.

Chase Freedom Unlimited and Chase Sapphire Preferred will net you at least 1.5 points per dollar and no foreign transaction fees, transferable to UA (as well as other programs). If you really want Hyatt Platinum status, their card includes it and you get a free night every year.

[QUOTE=”David W, post: 15594, member: 29″]I dont think that card will be any more beneficial to you since you have Global Services, unless you really value UA Club access even when not flying UA or Star Alliance.

As a Global Services member, you’re already entitled to Star Gold and lounge access when flying on a Star Alliance flight, free checked bags, better award availability, award fee waivers, better seat selection and priority access.

Chase Freedom Unlimited and Chase Sapphire Preferred will net you at least 1.5 points per dollar and no foreign transaction fees, transferable to UA (as well as other programs). If you really want Hyatt Platinum status, their card includes it and you get a free night every year.[/QUOTE]

Thank you for your help David. In your opinion then, would you go with the Citi Prestige card or the Chase Sapphire Preferred?

The Prestige card is pretty great – $250 airline credit per calendar year, $100 global entry fee credit, hotel’s 4th night free benefit when booking via Citi’s Concierge service as well as Priority Pass membership with 2 free guests. If you stay at hotels for at least 4 nights a few times a year, the card will pay for itself pretty quickly. There is value in Thankyou points as well, since there are some good transfer partners.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is $95 a year and i think its a neat addition to earn points that are transferable to United, since youre a UA flier.

Would you consider getting both cards?

[QUOTE=”David W, post: 15597, member: 29″]The Prestige card is pretty great – $250 airline credit per calendar year, $100 global entry fee credit, hotel’s 4th night free benefit when booking via Citi’s Concierge service as well as Priority Pass membership with 2 free guests. If you stay at hotels for at least 4 nights a few times a year, the card will pay for itself pretty quickly. There is value in Thankyou points as well, since there are some good transfer partners.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is $95 a year and i think its a neat addition to earn points that are transferable to United, since youre a UA flier.

Would you consider getting both cards?[/QUOTE]

That is actually a brilliant point. To be honest with you, I don’t know if I would use more than one credit card. I like to keep everything on one card just for the ease of sending in one check and being done with it. I would honestly probably forget that I have two.

In that case, I suggest you compare all the benefits of both cards and select the one you’d get the most benefits from. If earning UA miles is your top priority, the Chase is a great card. If you stay at hotels at least 4 nights a few times a year, I’d go with the Prestige

[QUOTE=”David W, post: 15599, member: 29″]In that case, I suggest you compare all the benefits of both cards and select the one you’d get the most benefits from. If earning UA miles is your top priority, the Chase is a great card. If you stay at hotels at least 4 nights a few times a year, I’d go with the Prestige[/QUOTE]

I will do some serious comparison then, thank you for your help

Agree with [USER=29]@David W[/USER]’s recommendation about comparing cards. From factors you mentioned upthread the Prestige would be my pick but if you want something to supplement the miles you already earn on UA, the CSP is a solid product too.

[QUOTE=”Gaurav, post: 15602, member: 79″]Agree with [USER=29]@David W[/USER]’s recommendation about comparing cards. From factors you mentioned upthread the Prestige would be my pick but if you want something to supplement the miles you already earn on UA, the CSP is a solid product too.[/QUOTE]

Thank you so much Gaurav, you guys have been a big help

[USER=1789]@Bradley Mueller[/USER]

Was just wondering, has your friends said why they like this line of cards?

[QUOTE=”No Name, post: 15647, member: 268″][USER=1789]@Bradley Mueller[/USER]

Was just wondering, has your friends said why they like this line of cards?[/QUOTE]

They said they like the luxury MasterCards because of their customer service and their ability to use their points a multitude of things. They also appreciated the benefits. I know one of my friends who was not eligible for the Amex black card yet (he had the platinum card) went and applied for the Gold MasterCard and now he loves it.