Credit Cards

[dyv8914]

It seems that CSP is better for frequent/international travelers since points transfer 1:1 to FF and hotel programs + you get forex fees waived. BSP is better for moderate/domestic travelers since it's pure cash back and the AF can be entirely offset by the $100 airline allowance, i.e. you're not relying on spending to offset the AF.

Is that about right? Thoughts?

[pkosheta]

Both cards have unique features that make them useful for certain types of travel. I like CSP for its free travel delay insurance. If I had a nickel for every time that could have come in handy before I got the card I'd have two handfuls of nickels plus a lot of free hotel nights and dinners reimbursed. Maybe I'm an unlucky traveler? But 100 dollars a year in credit statements for trip incidentals in exchange for a 75 dollar annual fee is basically AMEX begging you to take 25 dollars off of their hands. If you don't have a specific airline credit card I can't imagine you could go wrong with either. Also, both still allow you to get frequent flyer miles since CSP and AMEX effectively pick up the tab. Final Verdict win-win. But not quite win-win-win.

[dyv8914]

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pkosheta wrote:
Both cards have unique features that make them useful for certain types of travel. I like CSP for its free travel delay insurance. If I had a nickel for every time that could have come in handy before I got the card I'd have two handfuls of nickels plus a lot of free hotel nights and dinners reimbursed. Maybe I'm an unlucky traveler? But 100 dollars a year in credit statements for trip incidentals in exchange for a 75 dollar annual fee is basically AMEX begging you to take 25 dollars off of their hands. If you don't have a specific airline credit card I can't imagine you could go wrong with either. Also, both still allow you to get frequent flyer miles since CSP and AMEX effectively pick up the tab. Final Verdict win-win. But not quite win-win-win.

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I have the regular Blue Sky. Trying to figure out if its better to:

1. Upgrade to Blue Sky Preferred

2. Apply for CSP and consolidate Blue Sky credit line into BCE (my other Amex)

3. Leave things as they are

I don't see a clear benefit in choosing #1 or 2 from a monetary perspective, based on my spending. I travel mainly domestic, for leisure, about 3-4 times per year. I fly about 1/2 the time and drive the other 1/2. I stay in hotels on most trips. When I do fly, I don't check luggage and book the lowest fare regardless of airline since I don't fly enough to accrue any meaninful FF miles. I prefer to deal directly in cash back as opposed to having to track points in a bunch of different loyalty programs.

I was hoping those who are familiar with the benefits of either card can comment on them, which might be enough to offset the AF for me. I'm not familiar with travel delay insurance - what is it and is it a Visa Signature benefit or specific to CSP? Thanks!

[flowfaster]

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dyv8914 wrote:

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pkosheta wrote:
Both cards have unique features that make them useful for certain types of travel. I like CSP for its free travel delay insurance. If I had a nickel for every time that could have come in handy before I got the card I'd have two handfuls of nickels plus a lot of free hotel nights and dinners reimbursed. Maybe I'm an unlucky traveler? But 100 dollars a year in credit statements for trip incidentals in exchange for a 75 dollar annual fee is basically AMEX begging you to take 25 dollars off of their hands. If you don't have a specific airline credit card I can't imagine you could go wrong with either. Also, both still allow you to get frequent flyer miles since CSP and AMEX effectively pick up the tab. Final Verdict win-win. But not quite win-win-win.

---

I have the regular Blue Sky. Trying to figure out if its better to:

1. Upgrade to Blue Sky Preferred

2. Apply for CSP and consolidate Blue Sky credit line into BCE (my other Amex)

3. Leave things as they are

I don't see a clear benefit in choosing #1 or 2 from a monetary perspective, based on my spending. I travel mainly domestic, for leisure, about 3-4 times per year. I fly about 1/2 the time and drive the other 1/2. I stay in hotels on most trips. When I do fly, I don't check luggage and book the lowest fare regardless of airline since I don't fly enough to accrue any meaninful FF miles. I prefer to deal directly in cash back as opposed to having to track points in a bunch of different loyalty programs.

I was hoping those who are familiar with the benefits of either card can comment on them, which might be enough to offset the AF for me. I'm not familiar with travel delay insurance - what is it and is it a Visa Signature benefit or specific to CSP? Thanks!

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I have the Blue Sky Preffered and it seems to work for my spending.  The Amex Blue Sky is not real popular around here so you wont get that many comments.

Do you spend enough on incidentals to cover the AF?  If you spend over 75 on check bags then its worth it, if not then stay wear your at.

[dyv8914]

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flowfaster wrote:

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dyv8914 wrote:

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pkosheta wrote:
Both cards have unique features that make them useful for certain types of travel. I like CSP for its free travel delay insurance. If I had a nickel for every time that could have come in handy before I got the card I'd have two handfuls of nickels plus a lot of free hotel nights and dinners reimbursed. Maybe I'm an unlucky traveler? But 100 dollars a year in credit statements for trip incidentals in exchange for a 75 dollar annual fee is basically AMEX begging you to take 25 dollars off of their hands. If you don't have a specific airline credit card I can't imagine you could go wrong with either. Also, both still allow you to get frequent flyer miles since CSP and AMEX effectively pick up the tab. Final Verdict win-win. But not quite win-win-win.

---

I have the regular Blue Sky. Trying to figure out if its better to:

1. Upgrade to Blue Sky Preferred

2. Apply for CSP and consolidate Blue Sky credit line into BCE (my other Amex)

3. Leave things as they are

I don't see a clear benefit in choosing #1 or 2 from a monetary perspective, based on my spending. I travel mainly domestic, for leisure, about 3-4 times per year. I fly about 1/2 the time and drive the other 1/2. I stay in hotels on most trips. When I do fly, I don't check luggage and book the lowest fare regardless of airline since I don't fly enough to accrue any meaninful FF miles. I prefer to deal directly in cash back as opposed to having to track points in a bunch of different loyalty programs.

I was hoping those who are familiar with the benefits of either card can comment on them, which might be enough to offset the AF for me. I'm not familiar with travel delay insurance - what is it and is it a Visa Signature benefit or specific to CSP? Thanks!

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I have the Blue Sky Preffered and it seems to work for my spending.  The Amex Blue Sky is not real popular around here so you wont get that many comments.

Do you spend enough on incidentals to cover the AF?  If you spend over 75 on check bags then its worth it, if not then stay wear your at.

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Thanks, I figured as much. I very rarely check bags so the AF is probably not worth it for me. Looks like the main benefit is in getting these flight incidentals waived.