Question
I have an American Express right now. The one problem I have with this card is some stores only take visa or mc. I used to have the diners club carte blanch car with mc on it, but it seemed like everybody was leaving that company. I need recommendations for a secondary card. I do travel a lot and I can say 50% of my transctions are done in a foreign country. I was also looking at ML+, Citi PP, World mc. Any suggestions?
Answer
I want to be kind because I suspect you will get blasted but this is the type of VERY GENERAL question that drives most FTers crazy. There is a search function at the top left of each forum that will allow you to find specific information relative to just about any card you want to investigate. If you just scroll through the last few days you will topics very similar to the question you are asking. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do a little homework before you ask a question and try to be as specific as you can. If you choose not to do so, proceed at you own risk. Good luck.
Answer
I have an American Express right now. The one problem I have with this card is some stores only take visa or mc. I used to have the diners club carte blanch car with mc on it, but it seemed like everybody was leaving that company. I need recommendations for a secondary card. I do travel a lot and I can say 50% of my transctions are done in a foreign country. I was also looking at ML+, Citi PP, World mc. Any suggestions?
Consider one or two of the following cards based upon what is important to you.
BEST BENEFITS:
Merrill+ - Best benefits outside of AMEX Platinum, Centurion, and Citigroup Chairman (unavailable). Benefits are based upon spending and may include AA status matching and/or AA/DL airline club membership. The concierge service is good. Customer service is also good.
BEST REWARDS:
Citi PP Elite - Higher reward rate, limited points annually, lower reward flexibility (no airline transfers)
Diners Club - Lower reward rate, unlimited points annually, higher reward flexibility
Merrill+ - Lower reward rate, unlimited points annually, lower reward flexibility
Capital One Visa Signature - The reward program is not well regarded IMHO
Credit Union Cards - Typically 1% cash back, may be unlimited
FOREIGN TRANSACTIONS:
Merrill+ - Lower foreign transaction fee
Capital One - No foreign transaction fee
Credit Union Cards - Typically have a lower foreign transaction fee
Answer
for the USA >
mastercard
- diners club / carte blanche (charge card very similar to amex)
- world elite (saks)
- citi PPE (not the same benefit level, but good proprietary reward program)
[- citi chairman]
visa
- merrill+
- signature (i had a recent thread listing all free versions)
- new higher level of signature (dont think any issued yet)
Answer
Visa Signature
(for foreign travel add)
~ Wachovia
~ Wells Fargo
~ Credit Union of your choice