Questions and Answers

Hello guys! I have two questions for you regarding booking a United flight. I am now currently having both Chase Sapphire Reserved and Chase United MileagePlus Explorer card.
First, would having both card make sense to you? My reasoning behind this is that United MileagePlus card gives me some perk benefits that CSR does not like first checked bag, faster check-in (?) (I fly a round trip BKK-LAX once or twice a year and a domestic trip at least once a year). I would like your opinion on this.

Second, which card should I use to book a United flight (either domestic or international, if that makes a difference)? CSR gives you 3 points per dollar but would United Credit Card give you more perks? which one gives you more chance of becoming higher tier in elite status. Please please please advise.

Well if you are trying to attain status, the United card may help. If you spend $25,000 on the card in a year, they will waive the revenue requirement for elite status. But, if you only travel 2-3 times per year, you may not see a ton of value out of status.

I’d also argue that putting 25,000 on the CSR is a better option, because 25,000 Ultimate Rewards are more valuable than the same amount of United miles (and Ultimate Rewards transfer to United anyways).

Holding the United card does give you access to better award inventory, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll find space to Bangkok.

If you’re only going to have the 2 cards, i’d put the majority of your spend, especially travel, on the Reserve

[QUOTE=”rickyw, post: 29353, member: 1436″]Well if you are trying to attain status, the United card may help. If you spend $25,000 on the card in a year, they will waive the revenue requirement for elite status. But, if you only travel 2-3 times per year, you may not see a ton of value out of status.

I’d also argue that putting 25,000 on the CSR is a better option, because 25,000 Ultimate Rewards are more valuable than the same amount of United miles (and Ultimate Rewards transfer to United anyways).

Holding the United card does give you access to better award inventory, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll find space to Bangkok.

If you’re only going to have the 2 cards, i’d put the majority of your spend, especially travel, on the Reserve[/QUOTE]
Thank you for the info Rickyw! Yes I agree with you on putting $25k on CSR would give more rewards and yes only 2-3 times per year probably does not give me a chance for higher elite status (and hence the upgrade). Anyway, one of the reason I signed up for this card was because of the sign up bonus (70k as opposed to regular 50k from United website). I guess I could try it for a year and go from there. Thank you for your opinion!

It’s a great card! I got it a few years back when it was 70,000 too and used it for oneway business class to Australia. So you can definitely get good value out of it

And afterwards you can downgrade it to a no-fee United card. Only earns 0.5miles/$ but maintains your credit history and still gives you access to expanded UA award inventory.