Question
Don't you love getting something for nothing?! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
FREE CARDS:
1.) http://www.umbrellabank.com/credit_cards/credit_cards.asp
The great thing about this card aside from being FREE is the good reward structure of 2 cents/$1 spent. You have no blackouts and a tiered reward structure starting at 18,000 pts. for regional travel (all regions of the world are covered). PLUS you can use pts. for HERTZ & Marriott Hotel chain at also the 2 cent rate!!! That's bang-up great!
For those that like to travel in biz or first, their reward structure inludes redemption in these categories as well.
Pts. expire in 5 years. Travel is handled by Cendant Travel--a HUGE travel group.
PLUS, you get 6,000 pts off the bat (that's 1/3 of a regional tix right there!) for opening a direct deposit checking account with them eaning a minimum 3.3% APR..........The bank is very legit as it has the state of Illinois banking with them.
2.) Then, of course there's MBNA Amtrak Travel rewards card: http://www.amtrakguestrewards.com/Redemption/online_rewards.cfm?CFID=1315741&CFTOKEN=84301075&category=PE
This card is like having a United, Continental & Citibank Hilton credit card ALL IN ONE . Plus you get AMTRAK travel (great if you don't like to fly) and 1% at a host of other companies. Miles expire in 3 years unless you travel on Amtrak.....so essentially you need to transfer/use up your miles before that time.
AND, OF COURSE, you get the legendary customer service of MBNA and total 1% FX rate when travelling overseas. Pretty darn good huh? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
Answer
If I remeber reading the fine print for card #1, you do not get to choose your airline.
Might not matter to some, but VERY important for me.
As with any card/offer, read the print!!
Answer
For those that like to travel in biz or first, their reward structure inludes redemption in these categories as well.
As with any of the non-airline cards that have their own programs, the Umbrella mileage card's points can't be combined with points earned through flying or other partners, nor can they be used for upgrades. This latter point in particular kills it for me, as international upgrades are among the highest value redemptions available. My last redemption on CO worked out to more than 10 cents/mile!
However, the Amtrak card seems to be one of the best kept secrets around. Unless I'm missing something, you can just transfer your miles to your UA or CO account, so you get all the benefits of actually having one of the cards directly affiliated with those airlines, minus the annual fee.
Answer
Originally posted by Steve M:
Unless I'm missing something, you can just transfer your miles to your UA or CO account, so you get all the benefits of actually having one of the cards directly affiliated with those airlines, minus the annual fee.
Though you have to transfer 5,000 points at a time instead of the miles being automatic. Depending on your spending habits it could be an issue if you get it to use towards UA and CO instead of Amtrak.
Answer
In just 2 months the Umbrellabank offer seems to have dropped to 1 point per dollar, with the number of points required for flights (past the first one) not listed.
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Middle_Seat
(edited to clarify which offer I was referring to)
[This message has been edited by Middle_Seat (edited 12-13-2001).]
Answer
No thanks - the Amtrak card has only 500 bonus points.
Answer
The card still seems to be a good deal (Umbrella Bank). Does anyone have experience trying to book with them? Do they try to accomodate your airline choice?
Are there any other better cards out there?
Thx.
Answer
Originally posted by USAFAN:
No thanks - the Amtrak card has only 500 bonus points.
Of course, you get those bonus points without paying an annual fee. I had gotten a Chase Continental earlier this year. I've now gotten the Amtrak card. I will cancel the Continetal card (and keep my bonus points). Amtrak will then give me flexibility, CO points, and no annual fee.
(BTW, does anyone know how long I have to keep the Continental Chase card in order for the bonus points for signing up to stay with me?)