Questions and Answers

Hi all – recently started trying to be more savvy about points and credit cards. I currently have the following:
Amex Biz Platinum – use for monthly small biz expenses like internet, cell phone, etc.
Delta Amex Platinum – got it for 60k bonus, not sure if we will keep it.
Citi Double Cash – everyday personal expenses (groceries, etc.)
Chase Marriott – got it for bonus (earned) and status – we usually stay in Marriott properties when traveling for kids’ lacrosse tournaments, etc. and wife does also for business travel.
Starwood SPG Amex (both Biz and Personal) – got them for bonuses which have now been earned. Probably will cancel personal version before annual fee but may keep Biz for lounge access although I probably don’t travel enough to make it worthwhile.

Here’s our scenario. I don’t travel for business. Wife does for maybe 15 nights per year. We like to save our points for big trips once a year or so. Current balances:
Delta (no status): 150k
Marriott (Silver, might reach gold this year): 215k
SPG (Gold): 100k
Hilton (Gold): 190k (just bought some points in the current sale)
IHG: 30k
Amex: 100k

So, was looking at the Citi Prestige, Chase Sapphire Preferred and Ink Plus. Any thoughts? Don’t want to pay for both Amex Platinum and Citi Prestige as the benefits overlap (and seem better for my needs on the Citi card). Will I lose my Amex points if I cancel the card? Don’t want to pay too many annual fees. Also, is it worth getting one of the Hilton cards to build up those points some more or the IHG card?

Thanks!

Sorry – should add that we live in the ATL area so Skyteam is our “home” alliance.

Prestige is a great card and one that’s talked about quite often on here. It’s worth getting the card and paying the annual fee for it. If you want to cancel the Amex Plat but keep the points, apply for the Amex Everyday and/or Everyday Preferred cards [I]before[/I] canceling the Plat and your points will remain in the program and it’s of the transferable variety. The Amex PRG is also a great alternative. Business versions of the PRG could be worth it for their bonus categories. Chase’s Ink and Ink Plus cards are great as well

There are current offers for the DL Amex cards – maybe pick some up to boost your balances?

Hilton cards can be worth it when the bonus is high and when it replicates Gold status (which you will lose f you cancel the Amex Plat)

If your focus is travel rewards, I’d definitely get the Amex Everyday cards and move the spend from the Citi DoubleCash to there for the bonus categories.

Thanks David!

I ended up jumping on the Amex Gold Rewards card as they had a 75k sign-up bonus (vs. 25k for PRG currently). I can also make good use of the 3x points for advertising as I use Google Ads and Facebook Ads for my business. I will also get Citi Prestige and use that for 2x dining instead of the Amex Platinum (which I will cancel at renewal time). I can live without the Hilton Gold if necessary 🙂

The Amex Hilton HHonors Surpass card includes Gold Status with a $75 annual fee. I’d say its worth it for free breakfast if you spend at least 3 or 4 nights per year with Hilton.

[QUOTE=”David W, post: 17570, member: 29″]The Amex Hilton HHonors Surpass card includes Gold Status with a $75 annual fee. I’d say its worth it for free breakfast if you spend at least 3 or 4 nights per year with Hilton.[/QUOTE]
Thanks. Mostly at hamptons etc. so probably not worth getting yet another card unless they have a great bonus.

I think its at 75k points with $3k spend, which isnt bad. It’s worth it if youre in need of Hilton points but otherwise you can probably wait. I remember there being a better offer a while back