re: Credit Card Rewards and Points Discussion

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I certainly don't think I'll ever get anything better, but am I wrong in thinking I'll get an identical offer every year or two until the end of time?

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Wish I could tell you with certainty one way or the other. If I had to guess they will keep targeting you until you bite... but who knows what Amex will come up with next. They have made some pretty big changes to their programs in the last few years.

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I certainly don't think I'll ever get anything better, but am I wrong in thinking I'll get an identical offer every year or two until the end of time?

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If its going to make you take a trip you otherwise wouldn't have, and spend money you really don't want to, then I would pass. The game is getting to you at that point. Plus, if you have no where to go, those points are probably going to lose value sitting there.

If not the case, apply at will.

As for the rewards, ya they appear to be lower than they were during the economic downturn, but I guess there will always be another opportunity from somewhere.

But as always, its a personal situation sort of thing. I don't think any of the above posters are wrong in their comments. There's really no wrong answer.

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Give me 2-3 years ago offers anyday

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I believe this was when CSP gave out 100k offers. What I wouldn't give for that.

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While I do believe that points lose value over time they also don't expire and are nice to have in the bank (IMO).

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I agree. As they do historically lose their value over time due to program devaluations, I do prefer to have points that I can use across several hotels and airlines. Makes booking way easier.

I can't keep points in the bank long enough is my problem so applying for a card just because it's a good sign up has not been an issue.

For the previous poster who asked, the heading of the invitation says "THE PLATINUM CARD FROM AMERICAN EXPRESS" and I don't see anything anywhere else that mentions it being a business card. Looks like it's the personal version.

And to Teddy's point, I've made the decision to pass, as tempting as it is. Before getting this invitation, I had no intention of getting another card for another nine months, and that was going to be a Chase Ink Plus to replace my then year old Bold. If I apply for the Amex, I'm running dangerously close to grabbing the credit card tiger by the tail, and that's something that I simply won't allow to happen.

My travel and spending habits don't currently justify the fee, so I'm not going to apply for it, no matter the welcome bonus.

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100K MR points = $1,000 minimum.

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That one website says they are worth 2 cents minimum, so $2,000. But yes, even at $1,000, seems like an easy choice to pay the fee to get them. The $200 airline credit cuts the cost nearly in half.

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So does AMEX points only work with the airlines in your link or is there others with different points?

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You can transfer the points out to quite a few airlines. Additionally, you can use points from one airline on partner airlines in most cases. Like using AVIOS to travel domestically on American.

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The way the invitation is worded, it makes me think that the invitation itself doesn't expire, but their offer of a welcome bonus for this invitation does. I have until mid-October for this invitation to get the welcome bonus.

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That is correct. You can always call past the bonus expiration date and ask if they will honor it though.

So this morning I got the Chase United Explorer and Chase Sapphire Preferred, that's 1k in bonus dollars before lunch right?

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So this morning I got the Chase United Explorer and Chase Sapphire Preferred, that's 1k in bonus dollars before lunch right?

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Well, that Explorer offer is what 50k plus 5k?

CSP is 40k or what not?

You'll have a 100k when you hit both bonuses so its probably more like $2,000 before lunch