Questions and Answers

I’m curious which of the following three cards you would get based on the points currency they’re attached to:

Chase Sapphire Preferred
Starwood Preferred Amex
Everyday Preferred Amex

To me, it seems like the SPG has the best/most airline partners and a solid transfer policy if you move 20k points, but it isn’t necessarily great for everyday spend. The CSP seems to be the best for everyday spend but not necessarily the best partners. The Preferred Amex seems to be kind of a middle ground, but also isn’t accepted everywhere because not everywhere accepts Amex. Which do you think makes the most sense for a novice getting into this whole thing?

CuriousDan – your thinking matches Lucky’s. If you notice on his “Value of Miles & Points” post (under the START HERE tab) he values SPG points at 2.2 cents, Membership Rewards at 1.8 cents and Ultimate Rewards at 1.7 cents.

If you’re just getting started one important thing to keep in mind is: how do I want to use the points – because that can make a difference in the card you choose.

SPG is great for spend where you couldn’t get a bonus with other cards. The EP card has bonus categories and the bonus when you use the card 20x or more per month. The CSP has several bonus categories and Visa’s worldwide acceptance but fewer transfer partners.

Maybe if you can tell us a little more about how you want to use the points we can make a better recommendation.

My reco:
Start with CSP & Freedom.
Then go to Amex Everyday cards.
Then SPG.
The reason to start with Chase is because they have started following new rules on how many cards have you gotten in the last 2 years (I guess). This is not chase cards, any credit cards. If it is > 5, your chances of approval are slim to none.
So get the CSP & the Freedom. Freedom is a really great card and pairs well with CSP. It is like Lamb Chops with full bodied wine for me. 😉
Then comes the Amex game. SPG is a great card but I do not have it. Their transfer partners are awesome, but no category bonuses. Yet, it is the best card for non-category spend.

I think I am good at collecting points, I just dont know how to redeem them correctly.

I like the AMEX a lot, mainly because Chase hates me. I think the CSP is a lot like the AMEX PRG, but better. That would be my #1 card if I could get it.

I have the SPG, just got it, and Im using it for almost all of my non bonus spend. I just am not sure what to do with it! I like the idea of transferring to AA…