Question
I currently have a TechFed credit union visa with a $36 annual fee. I get a free domestic ticket for 25000 points on any airline.
So just looking for other recommended cards.. I am mainly interested in miles on united Airlines/ American Airlines - where there are opportunities to earn bonus miles.
Thanks a ton
Answer
MBNA Master card with "Flight Rewards" $30 a year
15,000 miles -- lower 48
10,000 miles -- wholely in first 2 time zones or last 2 time zones. They divide the US in half by the 4 time zones.
25,000 Alaska and many other places
35,000 Europe
Try 888-758-7946 Code RXS2 Tell them you saw it advertized in the NEA magazine.
It is for NEA (National Education Association) members. It they won't let you apply, ask if they have any other card with
"flight rewards" that you can apply for.
Good Luck, it is my favorite "points card" by far.
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Some women are born wise, others achieve wisdom, still others have wisdom thrust upon them as they wonder through the posts of this board. Thanks one and all.
Answer
Starwood Optima---free!
1 point per dollar spent
plus another 3 points per dollar spent at Starwood hotels
20,000 points may be transferred to 25,000 miles in all major airline programs.
complimentary Starwood Gold status for 1 year.
Answer
I think the TRUEblue Visa is great. Annual fee of $40. You get $100 Travel certificates to be used towards any flight purchase on any airline for each $5000 you spend. You can combine up to 3 certificates towards any airline ticket (so if I find a ticket from GRR to LAX for $300 it will only take 15000 points to get the ticket.) Or you can use 20,000 points (or 4 certificates) for free airfare to any city in the continental US. Call 1-800-242-9910 and ask for the Point Man Rewards Plan. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
Answer
Take a look at the Citibank's ClickCiti AAdvantage card - through the end of May, double points.... every dollar charged equals two AAdvantage points... Therefore you can get a free domestic ticket for charging only $12,500 (because of the doubling).
The catch? The card is only free is you have a regular Citibank AAdvantage card, otherwise it is $50/year. Also, since their is no magnetic strip on the back, you can only use it for internet, phone, mail-in, etc. purchases...
Still, it is not a bad deal - I've racked up considerable points with this promotion, and it all regular AAdvantage points.
Answer
I'd have to agree with wonderer. I've had many credit cards in the past and the MBNA NEA with Travel Rewards (http://www.neamb.com/programs/ccptrv.html) has by far the best customer service I've ever had. Each time I've ever had an issue, they have ALWAYS gone the extra mile for me - in fact I can't think of one bad thing about the card. Except that beginning last Sept. they stopped giving "points" for balance transfers. Now that was an incredible deal. I think I earned over 225,000 in the first year I had it just by balance tranfers. The annual fee was $0 the first year and now it's $15 (hey Wonderer - you might want to ask them to reduce your annual fee. I noticed they have you paying $30!)
Since it's Platinum, they give you the year-end report and travel service for no additional charge, and though I've only used the service three times, they have always done a great job.
Since it's not a TRUE affinity card, you can earn miles on any of your award flights and you're not restricted to one airline. I like the flexibilty. You can request an airline and every time I've gotten the one I wanted, no problems. I would assume that since you prefer AA, you could request to fly on that airline - and you'd STILL get AAdvantage miles on your "FREE" ticket! The number of miles for an award is substantially lower than any other cards like this one (as pointed out by the esteemed Wonderer. For example, I just obtained a Wells Fargo Platinum Card (http://wellsfargo.com/per/accounts/credit/cards/) that has "Wells Miles" attached to it and the deals aren't nearly as good. For that card, there is no annual fee and I think I've figured out how to get an infinite number of points using this card! FOR FREE! I won't share it now, because I'm not certain it's a for sure thing.)
Anyway, for the MBNA NEA account, the initial credit limit was substantial (up to $100,000 if you need and qualify for it) and the APR is 13.99%. I consider anything under 14% satisfactory, though there are certainly better deals out there for lower APR's if that's what you're looking for. Other MBNA Platinum Plus cards can have "Travel Rewards" attached to it but the NEA account is superior because of the lower annual fee and lower flight award requirements.
By the way, another bonus for this account is their free credit card registry where you can register all of your CC accounts. If your wallet or purse is ever lost or stolen, or even if you just make an address change, they'll take care of contacting all of the issuers for you. Now this is an incredible service if you have many accounts.
There are other services like this, but they are not free; including the $55 AMEX registery service (leave it to AMEX to charge for services other issuers just give away). That fee may have changed.
Another good looking VISA/MC account is Visa Platinum MilesOne card (http://www.capitalone.com/servlet/COF?p=http://www.capitalone.com/apply/2451/00125913/index.html&s=02451020CWB00000ML2MO) with a 9.9% Fixed APR, miles for balance transfers, no blackout dates, used on any airline. It has a $19 annual fee. Not too bad.
I don't recommend United First Card any more simply because FIRST USA took them over late last year. Their customer service stinketh, not to put too fine a point on it. I've mentioned before that their customer service is truly rotten and I know of many other First USA customers would agree with me - they simply don't train their reps very well. But you prefer AA, which Citibank underwrites. Citibank's service has always been in the middle somewhere. Not stellar, but not abismal. I have a Plain Platinum Select with no annual fee and a 16.4% APR. I don't like keeping a balnace on it since the APR is so high. If you get the Citibank AA Visa, you'll incure that annual fee and an even higher APR, which means you'll really have to charge a lot to make it worth it. They told me they would convert the card to AA if I wanted, but I don't fly AA enough to justify the higher fees. One nice feature Citibank has offered for wome time is the Photo ID on the front of the card to help prevent fraud. I think BankOne is the only other lender that does that, but I might be wrong.
Just for the sake of mentioning favorites, I think my second choice has just changed from Diner's Club (which I have enjoyed very much for the last two years) to AMEX Starwood Preferred - as mentioned by Quiet Lion. I haven't had one in the past, but I have one on the way. Should be here Tuesday. It completely blows every other AMEX out of the water simply because you can earn miles on ANY airline (not just Delta) and you get those extra 5,000 miles (not just those obtained for hotel stays) EVERY time you transfer just 20,000 Star points into any FF account. Quite a deal.
Geez, is it 1 am already. Enough rambling. Once I start... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif!
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If don't go, you'll never know.
[This message has been edited by wanderlust (edited 02-12-2000).]
[This message has been edited by wanderlust (edited 02-12-2000).]
Answer
THE BEST VISA CARD I HAVE FOUND IS THRU MERRILL LYNCH. YOU MUST HAVE AN ACCOUNT WITH THEM, BUT FOR A FEE OF $100 PER YEAR THEY DO DOUBLE POINTS ON ANY PURCHASE.
THE POINTS ARE GOOD ON ANY AIRLINE WITH NO RESTRICTIONS. EACH $25,000 IN PURCHASES GIVES YOU UP TO $500 FOR ANY TICKET ANYWHERE.
THE POINTS CAN ALSO BE USED FOR ANYTHING ELSE IN THEIR LARGE CATOLOG.
THE CARD IS CALLED SIGNATURE REWARDS, AND IT'S GREAT.
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[This message has been edited by tvdt (edited 02-12-2000).]
Answer
tvdt--is that points plus $500, or do that double points amount to $500 you can use every $25,000 in purchases? Would be a good card if you want to use the $500 toward leisure int'l fares, which would otherwise cost you more in FF points..
Answer
The Merrill Lynch card is very simple. They are just basically giving you a check for $500 to spend on any ticket. Whether it be first class to Tokyo or on Southwest, you can use the $500.
AND, here is a direct URL to apply for the NEA card: http://www.neamb.com/programs/ccptrv.html
Answer
Well personally my BEST mileage earner card is Diners Club, 12,000 free miles for signing up, but alas it isn't taken everywhere. For visa deals check out this site http://www.bankrate.com/brm/publ/airmiles.asp it gives a lot of good options, although I don't think exclusive offers like the NEA card are on there, also gives other CC tips. Hope this helps!
P.S. If you want to sign up for Diners and don't have any family friends that are members to refer you e-mail me at lorenk@iserv.net and I will refer you!
Answer
vandykes4,
Are there any other restrictions on the 20,000 points = 1 ticket deal? Is there a maximum ticket price? Are the certificates transferable?
Maybe I should just call for the info. Sounds like a great deal.
Answer
Does this card have a dollar cap when you purchase the ticket with your points/miles?
Originally posted by wanderlust:
I'd have to agree with wonderer. I've had many credit cards in the past and the MBNA NEA with Travel Rewards (http://www.neamb.com/programs/ccptrv.html) has by far the best customer service I've ever had. Each time I've ever had an issue, they have ALWAYS gone the extra mile for me - in fact I can't think of one bad thing about the card. Except that beginning last Sept. they stopped giving "points" for balance transfers. Now that was an incredible deal. I think I earned over 225,000 in the first year I had it just by balance tranfers. The annual fee was $0 the first year and now it's $15 (hey Wonderer - you might want to ask them to reduce your annual fee. I noticed they have you paying $30!)
Since it's Platinum, they give you the year-end report and travel service for no additional charge, and though I've only used the service three times, they have always done a great job.
Since it's not a TRUE affinity card, you can earn miles on any of your award flights and you're not restricted to one airline. I like the flexibilty. You can request an airline and every time I've gotten the one I wanted, no problems. I would assume that since you prefer AA, you could request to fly on that airline - and you'd STILL get AAdvantage miles on your "FREE" ticket! The number of miles for an award is substantially lower than any other cards like this one (as pointed out by the esteemed Wonderer. For example, I just obtained a Wells Fargo Platinum Card (http://wellsfargo.com/per/accounts/credit/cards/) that has "Wells Miles" attached to it and the deals aren't nearly as good. For that card, there is no annual fee and I think I've figured out how to get an infinite number of points using this card! FOR FREE! I won't share it now, because I'm not certain it's a for sure thing.)
Anyway, for the MBNA NEA account, the initial credit limit was substantial (up to $100,000 if you need and qualify for it) and the APR is 13.99%. I consider anything under 14% satisfactory, though there are certainly better deals out there for lower APR's if that's what you're looking for. Other MBNA Platinum Plus cards can have "Travel Rewards" attached to it but the NEA account is superior because of the lower annual fee and lower flight award requirements.
By the way, another bonus for this account is their free credit card registry where you can register all of your CC accounts. If your wallet or purse is ever lost or stolen, or even if you just make an address change, they'll take care of contacting all of the issuers for you. Now this is an incredible service if you have many accounts.
There are other services like this, but they are not free; including the $55 AMEX registery service (leave it to AMEX to charge for services other issuers just give away). That fee may have changed.
Another good looking VISA/MC account is Visa Platinum MilesOne card (http://www.capitalone.com/servlet/COF?p=http://www.capitalone.com/apply/2451/00125913/index.html&s=02451020CWB00000ML2MO) with a 9.9% Fixed APR, miles for balance transfers, no blackout dates, used on any airline. It has a $19 annual fee. Not too bad.
I don't recommend United First Card any more simply because FIRST USA took them over late last year. Their customer service stinketh, not to put too fine a point on it. I've mentioned before that their customer service is truly rotten and I know of many other First USA customers would agree with me - they simply don't train their reps very well. But you prefer AA, which Citibank underwrites. Citibank's service has always been in the middle somewhere. Not stellar, but not abismal. I have a Plain Platinum Select with no annual fee and a 16.4% APR. I don't like keeping a balnace on it since the APR is so high. If you get the Citibank AA Visa, you'll incure that annual fee and an even higher APR, which means you'll really have to charge a lot to make it worth it. They told me they would convert the card to AA if I wanted, but I don't fly AA enough to justify the higher fees. One nice feature Citibank has offered for wome time is the Photo ID on the front of the card to help prevent fraud. I think BankOne is the only other lender that does that, but I might be wrong.
Just for the sake of mentioning favorites, I think my second choice has just changed from Diner's Club (which I have enjoyed very much for the last two years) to AMEX Starwood Preferred - as mentioned by Quiet Lion. I haven't had one in the past, but I have one on the way. Should be here Tuesday. It completely blows every other AMEX out of the water simply because you can earn miles on ANY airline (not just Delta) and you get those extra 5,000 miles (not just those obtained for hotel stays) EVERY time you transfer just 20,000 Star points into any FF account. Quite a deal.
Geez, is it 1 am already. Enough rambling. Once I start... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif!
Answer
I don't agree with First USA's bad customer service. In choosing a card, my main priority is to access the account online, for I travel alot and would not get the bill in time to pay it off, (believe me, it is hell when they started calling you on past due amounts when you have no clue what the heck they are talking about). With FirstUSA, you get online access to all of your VISAs and MASTERCARDs. Therefore, i have a Prioritclub VISA by FIRSTUSA, it is not bad considering it is a free card, I just applied for Hilton's AMX, it is again free. I refuse to pay any annual fee, because I firmly believe that there are better deals out there with no annual fee
thanks
Answer
RUN from First USA! And from any other Bank One product! Terrible service, draconian fees for one late payment, over limit, etc. They care very little about customer retention or loyalty. Who cares if it has no annual fee? It does use two cycle billing for finance charges which screws many people. Plus, how many dollars must you charge to get a free ticket? The NEA mastercard gets you a ticket with as little as 10,000 miles. All for only a $30 annual fee. Most others require 20 or 25 thousand miles before you can fly. That means charging at least another ten thousand dollars! Imagine the interest on that if you ever carry. Paying $30 for a decent rewards card can save most people hundreds!