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re: Credit Card Rewards and Points Discussion

Posted on 4/21/14 at 5:29 pm to
Posted by Croacka
Denham Springs
Member since Dec 2008
61441 posts
Posted on 4/21/14 at 5:29 pm to
its not close, as in the points are way more valuable than the cash back?


Posted by Joshjrn
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2008
26972 posts
Posted on 4/21/14 at 5:35 pm to
I've seen points valued at over 2:1 in some rewards programs, like Hyatt, Amtrak, and certain airlines.

And Teddy, that's what I was thinking. However, the mere fact that you had an Ink and no Bold gave me pause
This post was edited on 4/21/14 at 5:36 pm
Posted by Teddy Ruxpin
Member since Oct 2006
39551 posts
Posted on 4/21/14 at 5:36 pm to
quote:

its not close, as in the points are way more valuable than the cash back?



Right, at higher redemption levels for premium travel the points are usually (depending on program) ahead of cash back. ETA: But really it depends on how you play the game. If you are doing sign up bonuses only then you don't really care all that much about day to day spending earning points.

quote:

However, the mere fact that you had an Ink and no Bold gave me pause


This post was edited on 4/21/14 at 5:45 pm
Posted by Joshjrn
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2008
26972 posts
Posted on 4/21/14 at 5:44 pm to
If that isn't an indicator of how much I value your opinion on the subject, I don't know what would be
Posted by Teddy Ruxpin
Member since Oct 2006
39551 posts
Posted on 4/21/14 at 5:46 pm to
quote:

If that isn't an indicator of how much I value your opinion on the subject, I don't know what would be



Printed out and put on the fridge for my fiancee to see it.
Posted by Joshjrn
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2008
26972 posts
Posted on 4/21/14 at 6:25 pm to
quote:

Printed out and put on the fridge for my fiancee to see it.


Posted by Joshjrn
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2008
26972 posts
Posted on 4/21/14 at 7:32 pm to
Teddy, I got a Freedom a bit under a year ago, CSP four months ago. I'm planning on getting the Bold in eight months (when CSP is about to hit one year). Currently thinking I'm going to do the Barclaycard Arrival World Master in two months (splitting CSP and Bold applications). Would you make any changes to my timeline or card choice?
Posted by Teddy Ruxpin
Member since Oct 2006
39551 posts
Posted on 4/21/14 at 8:06 pm to
The Barclays card is a fine card. I think you're educated on its usefulness so it's probably a good decision for you. I have it myself, and the $400 is still free money if you downgrade later.

Your application schedule is very conservative. I see no problems with it credit(assuming no home purchases coming up soon after applications) or approval wise.
This post was edited on 4/21/14 at 8:07 pm
Posted by igoringa
South Mississippi
Member since Jun 2007
11875 posts
Posted on 4/22/14 at 8:30 am to
quote:

The more involved method involves $200 gift cards purchased at $6.95 a pop (there are ways to lower this cost). $200 X 5 equals 1,000 points, which has probably a floor value of 1.6 cents each or $16, or as much as $30 or more depending on what you redeem them for. You are essentially prepaying for your vacation over time, at a discounted rate.

I usually load these cards onto my Bluebird account and can pay Mortgage or Rent, my other credit card bills, send checks to people, etc.


You are a braver man then I am going to Walmart and loading $200 cards onto bluebird lol

Although it takes some time, I prefer to go the Evolve Money route and use those office supply cards to pay my mortgage that way. Requires a weekend and multiple accounts (and paying the exact amount), but has worked well for me (and I will do a lot to avoid trips to Walmart!).

The 'easy' component you hit on is also key... I buy a crapload of shell, home depot, randalls, Tj Maxx/Justice for wife kids etc... cards there (office max has a slightly better selection then OD around me). I would loooove if they had the selection that some grocery stores have.

Will burn through the 50K limit on the bold this year with ease - going to try to go for the other ink shortly
Posted by Teddy Ruxpin
Member since Oct 2006
39551 posts
Posted on 4/22/14 at 9:07 am to
quote:

Although it takes some time, I prefer to go the Evolve Money route and use those office supply cards to pay my mortgage that way. Requires a weekend and multiple accounts (and paying the exact amount), but has worked well for me (and I will do a lot to avoid trips to Walmart!).



I've read about this one but with Bluebird I haven't gone done the path yet. I think once something gets shut down I'll move over and figure it out.

Walmart isn't TOO bad . I never go to the one on Tchoupitoulas, that place is the worst.

Good to see someone else in the game. Its a fun hobby
This post was edited on 4/22/14 at 9:08 am
Posted by LSUAfro
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2005
12775 posts
Posted on 4/22/14 at 9:19 am to
See Teddy, you don't need me in these threads Just killin' it in here with the info.
Posted by Teddy Ruxpin
Member since Oct 2006
39551 posts
Posted on 4/22/14 at 9:35 am to
Oh look at the time, I'm off the clock
Posted by Goldrush25
San Diego, CA
Member since Oct 2012
33793 posts
Posted on 4/22/14 at 3:50 pm to
Teddy, any thoughts on the new Amex Everyday and Everyday preferred cards, and how their reward structure stacks up to other cards?

I recently got one. It seemed appropriate for my needs as I'm not a really big spender but would like to still be getting something for my purchases, maybe use my points towards a plane ticket back home once a year.
Posted by Teddy Ruxpin
Member since Oct 2006
39551 posts
Posted on 4/22/14 at 3:53 pm to
As you know, they are pretty new, but it appears that as long as you hit those transaction per month requirements you are doing pretty well. You can certainly do worse with other options out there. MR points can be very valuable, especially when they have a transfer bonus deal in place.

What I like is that if you decide to get another Membership Rewards earning card, you could always downgrade your preferred Everyday to the No-fee version. That is a good way to preserve your points because its the only MR earning card in Amex's lineup with no annual fee.
This post was edited on 4/22/14 at 3:55 pm
Posted by VABuckeye
Naples, FL
Member since Dec 2007
35472 posts
Posted on 4/23/14 at 9:51 pm to
Vanilla Reloads don't work anymore. Can't buy them with credit cards. Just an FYI. However it appears that you can still purchase One Vanilla gift cards at $500 a pop to loan into Bluebird.

I am in the process of switching over to rewards cards. I fly a lot on American so today I signed up for the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select card with 50k bonus miles and some AA perks I love like 1 free checked bag for me and up to 4 other travelers. I think I like this game.

Posted by Teddy Ruxpin
Member since Oct 2006
39551 posts
Posted on 4/23/14 at 10:35 pm to
quote:


I am in the process of switching over to rewards cards. I fly a lot on American so today I signed up for the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select card with 50k bonus miles and some AA perks I love like 1 free checked bag for me and up to 4 other travelers. I think I like this game.



Look for the Citi Executive 100k miles after 10k spend in three months. From what I've read, you can earn both bonuses. Annual fee is $450 but you'll get $200 back and lounge access. Worth it for the points alone.

Also, if you see a good British Airways offer; that can work for you too for short domestic flights on American/US Airways since they are same alliance. BA has a distance based chart so short flights aren't many points, can be between 9000-15000 Avios. I did this to book MSY to MIA.
This post was edited on 4/23/14 at 10:40 pm
Posted by LSUAfro
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2005
12775 posts
Posted on 4/24/14 at 7:57 am to
quote:

Vanilla Reloads don't work anymore. Can't buy them with credit cards
You actually still can purchase VRs with a CC, but just not at every store(primarily CVS).
Posted by LSUAfro
Baton Rouge
Member since Aug 2005
12775 posts
Posted on 4/24/14 at 8:01 am to
quote:

Look for the Citi Executive 100k miles after 10k spend in three months.
Do you read "ThePointsGuy" blog? Just read a few days ago he churned the 100k AA Citi Exec card offer. $200 for 100k miles is pretty incredible. I promised myself no more CC apps for at least 6 months or I'd try it.
This post was edited on 4/24/14 at 8:17 am
Posted by VABuckeye
Naples, FL
Member since Dec 2007
35472 posts
Posted on 4/24/14 at 9:16 am to
quote:

You actually still can purchase VRs with a CC, but just not at every store(primarily CVS).


As of now every CVS nationwide will not sell them as a credit card transaction. As you stated there may be other retailers that still sell them in this manner.
Posted by Teddy Ruxpin
Member since Oct 2006
39551 posts
Posted on 4/24/14 at 9:19 am to
quote:


Do you read "ThePointsGuy" blog? Just read a few days ago he churned the 100k AA Citi Exec card offer. $200 for 100k miles is pretty incredible. I promised myself no more CC apps for at least 6 months or I'd try it.



Ya. I've read more than a few got that executive card twice but also that Citi changed the language in the terms so it may not work any more. I think VA might be in a better situation since he'd be getting two unique products.
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