- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Credit Cards. Do any of you use one that has perks that you recommend?
Posted on 4/16/11 at 10:17 am
Posted on 4/16/11 at 10:17 am
Assume for a moment, that you pay the balance every month. My wife and I are considering one of the cards that does cash back, store discount, gas discount, etc.
We would potentially use it to pay some expenses (groceries, gas,etc) and pay the balance monthly. The idea would be to take advantage of the perks.
Anyone use a card they like?
We would potentially use it to pay some expenses (groceries, gas,etc) and pay the balance monthly. The idea would be to take advantage of the perks.
Anyone use a card they like?
10
Posted on 4/16/11 at 10:30 am to saltybulldog
I use Chase Freedom car. 1% cash back, then quarterly it has 5% cash back on different types of purchases up to $1,500. For example, this quarter home improvement, lawn and garden and home furnishings purchases qualify for bonus.
If you've got a chase checking account you also get 10 bonus points for every swipe plus a 10% bonus points on purchases. Caveat is that you have to either direct deposit into checking account or maintain a minimum balance of $1,500.
If you've got a chase checking account you also get 10 bonus points for every swipe plus a 10% bonus points on purchases. Caveat is that you have to either direct deposit into checking account or maintain a minimum balance of $1,500.
Posted on 4/16/11 at 10:39 am to kaaj24
I use Chase and Cabela's for my office expenses. Last year I had enough cash back from Chase to cover all my employee's bonuses at christmas.
The Cabela's one give you 1% back in store, for me that's huge.
The Cabela's one give you 1% back in store, for me that's huge.
Posted on 4/16/11 at 10:39 am to saltybulldog
I'm thinking about doing this as well once I start working. I was hoping to find a card which rewards sky miles and, like you've said, use it just for monthly expenses that are already worked into my budget anyway, i.e. living expenses, car expenses, groceries, etc.
As long as you're persistent about paying the balance every month, it seems much smarter than just paying cash for these things.
I'm interested in other posters' opinions with respect to which rewards are the best, i.e. do you find that you get more bang for your buck with sky miles or with some % back or other?
As long as you're persistent about paying the balance every month, it seems much smarter than just paying cash for these things.
I'm interested in other posters' opinions with respect to which rewards are the best, i.e. do you find that you get more bang for your buck with sky miles or with some % back or other?
This post was edited on 4/16/11 at 10:40 am
Posted on 4/16/11 at 10:50 am to RedStickBR
quote:
I'm interested in other posters' opinions with respect to which rewards are the best, i.e. do you find that you get more bang for your buck with sky miles or with some % back or other?
Cash back is king for me. Provides the most flexibility to buy what I want and when I want to buy it.
Posted on 4/16/11 at 11:09 am to kaaj24
Yeah, you're actually the second person who's told me cash > sky miles (and I've only asked two so far). Maybe I'll just go that route. I also heard you have to spend a pretty significant sum of money to get any decent amount of sky miles.
Posted on 4/16/11 at 11:22 am to kaaj24
quote:
Cash back is king for me.
Me too, Discover.
Posted on 4/16/11 at 3:32 pm to TigerintheNO
Sky miles > Cash for me...but I am in a long distance relationship. 
Posted on 4/16/11 at 3:36 pm to lynxcat
quote:
Sky miles > Cash for me...but I am in a long distance relationship.
That's my sole purpose for going for the sky miles as well.
Posted on 4/16/11 at 4:00 pm to saltybulldog
I just got a Capital One Venture for my business, after very little research it seemed like the best deal for miles.
Posted on 4/16/11 at 4:54 pm to saltybulldog
The best as far as getting the most rebates is an airlines miles or hotel points card. Cash is probably the least %, but I understand the desire to just have cash.
I use credit cards for everything possible. Pay it off every month for sure.
I use credit cards for everything possible. Pay it off every month for sure.
This post was edited on 4/16/11 at 9:26 pm
Posted on 4/16/11 at 5:12 pm to lynxcat
quote:
Sky miles > Cash for me...but I am in a long distance relationship.
this
Southwest Airlines card FTW
Posted on 4/16/11 at 6:14 pm to saltybulldog
We've used a Citibank card that earns American Airlines miles for years ... basically charge everything to it and pay it off monthly. Combined with my business travel, it's enabled our family of 4 to go to Hawaii, Aruba, Barbados, and we'll be heading to Cancun in May.
Posted on 4/16/11 at 7:09 pm to 1984Tiger
I've done a ton of research on the subject in the past (we had a good thread on the MTB a few weeks ago about this topic that I started) and this is what I plan on doing:
American Express Delta Platinum--this will help me reach Medallion status ASAP so that I will have access to the SkyClubs. I fly almost exclusively Delta from the Memphis hub. I will charge flights mainly to this card.
Capital One Venture (VISA)--Pays 2x the points on every dollar spent, no matter what is bought. This is the best card available to earn points in general and will be what I charge almost everything on.
American Express HiltonHotels Surpass or Starwood Preferred Guest: Depending on the hotel line I choose to always stay at when traveling for work (don't know what I will prefer yet), I will get whatever card is applicable. The Hilton Surpass card pays 9x points on every dollar spent at a Hilton Hotel, 6x on other goods, and 3x on everything else. The Starwood card is similar but slightly less points (maybe 6x, 3x, 2x). At the very least I will charge this card for my hotel for 4 nights and then use Capital One for all other purchases.
Shell Mastercard--Saves 5% rebate when using at Shell Gas. I have a Shell right outside of my future apartment, so this couldn't be more convenient.
Lastly, I think it is important to have a good mix if you plan on using AMEX. Because it isn't accepted everywhere, I want to have at least a VISA or MC on hand in case AMEX is denied. I'll also have a check card/debit card, but I don't ever see myself using it for that function.
--------
An aside, I found out that a coworker is going to Hawaii for 2 weeks and paying for the all flights and hotels rooms with points (Ridiculous amount of points to say the least).
American Express Delta Platinum--this will help me reach Medallion status ASAP so that I will have access to the SkyClubs. I fly almost exclusively Delta from the Memphis hub. I will charge flights mainly to this card.
Capital One Venture (VISA)--Pays 2x the points on every dollar spent, no matter what is bought. This is the best card available to earn points in general and will be what I charge almost everything on.
American Express HiltonHotels Surpass or Starwood Preferred Guest: Depending on the hotel line I choose to always stay at when traveling for work (don't know what I will prefer yet), I will get whatever card is applicable. The Hilton Surpass card pays 9x points on every dollar spent at a Hilton Hotel, 6x on other goods, and 3x on everything else. The Starwood card is similar but slightly less points (maybe 6x, 3x, 2x). At the very least I will charge this card for my hotel for 4 nights and then use Capital One for all other purchases.
Shell Mastercard--Saves 5% rebate when using at Shell Gas. I have a Shell right outside of my future apartment, so this couldn't be more convenient.
Lastly, I think it is important to have a good mix if you plan on using AMEX. Because it isn't accepted everywhere, I want to have at least a VISA or MC on hand in case AMEX is denied. I'll also have a check card/debit card, but I don't ever see myself using it for that function.
--------
An aside, I found out that a coworker is going to Hawaii for 2 weeks and paying for the all flights and hotels rooms with points (Ridiculous amount of points to say the least).
This post was edited on 4/16/11 at 7:13 pm
Posted on 4/16/11 at 8:05 pm to saltybulldog
I've had the Marriott Rewards card for 6 years. Points add up quick & I use several free nights a year for vacations.
In Chattanooga right now using 3 free nights & going to NY in May & using free nights.
In Chattanooga right now using 3 free nights & going to NY in May & using free nights.
Posted on 4/16/11 at 9:48 pm to kaaj24
quote:
I use Chase Freedom car. 1% cash back, then quarterly it has 5% cash back on different types of purchases up to $1,500. For example, this quarter home improvement, lawn and garden and home furnishings purchases qualify for bonus.
I have this as well and love it......plus if you go through their website to many of your favorite websites to shop you can rack up even more bonus points(some up to 10%).
They have some pretty good ones:
Barnes and Noble
Pennys (I think)
Best Buy
Posted on 4/16/11 at 9:57 pm to saltybulldog
American Express Blue Cash
Cash on every transaction. I spend 3-5k on my CC every month.....get right at $2k back on my anniv date each year (will apply to a bill or mail u the check). This year, they started giving you the option to redeem the $ whenever you want it....not just on ur anniver date.
Cash is better than any point.
Cash on every transaction. I spend 3-5k on my CC every month.....get right at $2k back on my anniv date each year (will apply to a bill or mail u the check). This year, they started giving you the option to redeem the $ whenever you want it....not just on ur anniver date.
Cash is better than any point.
Posted on 4/16/11 at 10:22 pm to TJG210
I've done a good bit of research on the topic, and I think it really comes down to your spending habits and the rewards that fit best with your lifestyle. If you fly somewhat frequently and don't have to book your travel using a corporate card, I think an airline credit card makes sense because you get double points (2x the cost of the ticket) when you purchase using an airline card. Same goes for hotel cards.
For me personally, I wouldn't want to be limited to only using the points for hotel stays or airfare. I personally prefer the flexibility of cash back. I have a card thats a flat 2% cash back on all purchases. There are several that offer 5% cash back on gas and groceries. After a quick analysis of a couple months spend, I found I would be better off with the flat 2% cash back card. I think its a joke that some put a cap on what you can get back and the ones where you have to spend a certain amount to begin to get points. Right now fidelity is offering a card w 2% cash back. Its a bit of a hassle bc you have to open an account of some kind (e.g., money market) but after that you can cash out the points whenever you want.
As far as the quarterly bonus points go, I try to avoid spending money to save money. You never know what the bonus points are going to be next quarter, and I don't want to be tempted to spend money on something I wouldn't have otherwise bought just bc of the bonus points. I def love the flexibility of cash back.
For me personally, I wouldn't want to be limited to only using the points for hotel stays or airfare. I personally prefer the flexibility of cash back. I have a card thats a flat 2% cash back on all purchases. There are several that offer 5% cash back on gas and groceries. After a quick analysis of a couple months spend, I found I would be better off with the flat 2% cash back card. I think its a joke that some put a cap on what you can get back and the ones where you have to spend a certain amount to begin to get points. Right now fidelity is offering a card w 2% cash back. Its a bit of a hassle bc you have to open an account of some kind (e.g., money market) but after that you can cash out the points whenever you want.
As far as the quarterly bonus points go, I try to avoid spending money to save money. You never know what the bonus points are going to be next quarter, and I don't want to be tempted to spend money on something I wouldn't have otherwise bought just bc of the bonus points. I def love the flexibility of cash back.
Posted on 4/17/11 at 10:00 am to RedStickBR
quote:
I'm interested in other posters' opinions with respect to which rewards are the best, i.e. do you find that you get more bang for your buck with sky miles or with some % back or other?
The AMEX Costco True earnings card is free with a Costco membership. Even if you don't have a store in your area they still have a huge number of items online. 3% cash back on gas purchased anywhere and all restaurants, received almost $600 on this for 2010.
I also have Cap One Venture card with 2% points. This replaced an AMEX Delta Platinum card as my preference was to use the points on any airline, not just Delta. First year is free, then $59.
Also have a Chase Sapphire Preferred which was converted from an old platinum card when it was discontinued. Chase claims you can receive 25% point discounts when using their booking services for airfare, hotel,etc, haven't used it to confirm yet, plus the 7% bonus. With that said I will likely kill or convert the card when the 1-yr free membership expires as the $95 annual fee is pricey unless you are a traveling mo fo.
LINK
Posted on 4/17/11 at 11:18 am to tirebiter
Great. Thanks for the info. I'm going to look into the Cap One Venture.
Page 1 of 2
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News