Question
In " Credit Card programs/partners",
We have three forums:
1-American Express Membership rewards
2-Diners Club Club reward (low activity of late)
3-Other credit card programs.
This is what is missing from credit card programs/partners
How about one forum for ( listed in no particular order)
Merrill Plus
New sack fifth avenue card, ( HSBC)
Chairman - Version 1
Speculative version 2 of Chairman.
Amex Plat.
Amex Cent.
This way there could be a discussion on one forum of Amex Plat. Vs. Chairman Vs. Merrill Plus Vs Sacks/Hsbc.
Poster could decide which forum to post info, comments, questions about the so called premium cards.
Chairman could be posted in EITHER this forum or Premium card forum, but not both.
I like to know what the FT community thinks.
BTW, I rarely rarely cross post. But ;) in this unique instance, I feel that Its appropiate to concurrently post this in "American Express Membership rewards". (If a Mod or our Host disagrees with me, please feel free to merge, move or delete one of the threads)
Answer
In " Credit Card programs/partners",
We have three forums:
1-American Express Membership rewards
2-Diners Club Club reward (low activity of late)
3-Other credit card programs.
This is what is missing from credit card programs/partners
How about one forum for ( listed in no particular order)
Merrill Plus
New sack fifth avenue card, ( HSBC)
Chairman - Version 1
Speculative version 2 of Chairman.
Amex Plat.
Amex Cent.
This way there could be a discussion on one forum of Amex Plat. Vs. Chairman Vs. Merrill Plus Vs Sacks/Hsbc.
Poster could decide which forum to post info, comments, questions about the so called premium cards.
Chairman could be posted in EITHER this forum or Premium card forum, but not both.
I like to know what the FT community thinks.
BTW, I rarely rarely cross post. But ;) in this unique instance, I feel that Its appropiate to concurrently post this in "American Express Membership rewards". (If a Mod or our Host disagrees with me, please feel free to merge, move or delete one of the threads)
Great topic. I will lay down the gauntlet:
1. Chairman - $50,000 spent on Chairman = 100,000 (regular spending) to 300,000 (every day spending) Thank You Points. Say 150,000 points is what is actually earned. This equates to approximately $1875 in rewards (at 1.25 cents per point). Deduct the $400 cost and you get a net of $1375 plus the core benefits:
- Gold Status in Hilton
- Priority Pass Membership
- Excellent Concierge
2. Merrill Plus - $50,000 spent on M+ = 50,000 Merrill points. This is $625 in rewards (at 1.25 cents per point). There is no annual fee. The core benefits are:
- AA or DL club membership
- AA status match
- Excellent Concierge
Based upon the above analysis, I would go with Chairman over M+, unless some of the other M+ benefits have real value to you, e.g. Leading Hotels benefit. I used 1.25 cents per point due to the restrictions on both programs. I actually think that Chairman is higher than M+, but this makes for a more objective comparison.
My preference at exactly $50,000 in spending is:
$20,000 on M+ for AA status match
The rest on Chairman for super reward earnings
Answer
what do you think threads like "chairman vs plat" and all the threads on chairman are about?
plus threads like "what exclusive elite cards are left?"
Answer
Great topic. I will lay down the gauntlet:
1
2. Merrill Plus - $50,000 spent on M+ = 50,000 Merrill points. This is $625 in rewards (at 1.25 cents per point). T
I think if you know what you are doing and do the breakage just right and get the right phone rep then points are at least 1.75 cents.
30,000 will get a tix on a Preferred Partner WITH NO ADVANCE NOTICE, You can tell them what you want. It can be upto $500- Each $25 additional is 2500 miles.
Unlike Most Frequent Flyer programs where the value is in critical mass, You want to buy a Elite status earning ticket for as close to $500 all in every time you have 35,000 or so points.
Who else will let you go NYC to Europe in the winter off season for 25,000 points?
- AA or DL club membership
I have Plat so DL is of no appeal.
I am a million miler on AA and do not have an AA club membership currently. When you consider that this is INCLUDING initiation fee , And it a complete freebie then its very valuable.
Figure a value of $300. Its a extra penny per dollar on the incremental additional 30,000 rrom tier 2 to 3.
- AA status match
- Excellent Concierge
............ unless some of the other M+ benefits have real value to you, e.g. Leading Hotels benefit.
the LHW Merrill + rewards look great on paper But I called and Three hotels that are members of LHR all do not participate. What is the point of an marketing co-operative group if each member can opt out of strategic alliances?
Even those that participate can choose which discount they want to offer.
Hence, "Breakfast plus 20% discount" or a 12% discount". UMMMM, No I'd like to pay for breakfast AND Pay an extra 8%.
The only way that Amex Plat beats everyone else on hotels is FHR.
I use to think that Membership rewards was worth a lot less than starwood.
No its a little less. M.R. is good for rounding up balances and saving orphaned
points. If you fly LONG haul on Rev tixs, then TY points are good. Now I don't fly all that much for revenue and I hate to relay on a loophole that may be closed justifying a card.
I "lost" my Hilton gold and that would be the primary benefit of charman for me.
If you fly skyteam some ,but not enought to justify a lounge membership then
Amex plat is the call.
If you fly internationally to minor airports, I suppose that Chairman's priority pass is better.
I used 1.25 cents per point due to the restrictions on both programs. I actually think that Chairman is higher than M+, but this makes for a more objective comparison.
My preference at exactly $50,000 in spending is:
$20,000 on M+ for AA status match
The rest on Chairman for super reward earnings
Answer
If you fly internationally to minor airports, I suppose that Chairman's priority pass is better.
These lounges are avaailable at all major airports...give me a lsit of the airports you fly into and I will give you a list of clubs....
it is the minor airports where there are no clubs
Answer
The citigroup chairmen card gives 2 thank you points per dollar purchase? Are you sure? I thought it was one? And how about the PremierPass Card Elite level isn't that the same thing?
Answer
The citigroup chairmen card gives 2 thank you points per dollar purchase? Are you sure? I thought it was one? And how about the PremierPass Card Elite level isn't that the same thing?
1 spend + 1 flight = 2
3 select spend + 3 flight = 6
Answer
1 spend + 1 flight = 2
3 select spend + 3 flight = 6
Kagehitokiri is correct!
Chairman is
1 spend + 1 flight = 2 total points
(1 spend + 2 select) + 3 flight = 6 total points
Premier Pass Elite is
1 spend + 1 flight = 2 total points
(1 spend + 1 select) + 2 flight = 4 total points