AMEX has changed its HH Cards to allow for lifetime Gold membership as long as you have the card. Also, they added restaurant to the list of places where you earn extra points. The old reviews I have seen compared the Citi and AMEX version of the cards prior to these changes. Has anyone seen a comparison between Citi and AMEX cards after these changes?
I have been trying to cleanup my UTIL some before I apply for a HH card. It was going to app for the Citi HH Reserve before these changes. Im wondering if I should now get the AMEX and get a CITI Simplicity or TY Peferred to help with my UTIL/Interest rates.
My current FICO scores are EX: 704 (I just pulled today - it took about a 20 point hit due to my UTIL. Not bad but should be higher), TU 719 (2 days old) and EQ 688 (SW). AAoA 10+ years, 4 bad accounts (Account 1 - 30 day late more than 3 years ago, Account 2 - 90 day late more than 6 years ago, Account 3 - paid CO for $109 about 4 years ago; and Account 4 - messed up auto loan 10-30 day lates, 2-60 day lates. Last late Nov/Dec 2011) UTIL is 54% (No card maxxed out, 3 zero balanced cards, no card more than 75% UTIL.) Ive been very aggressive in paying down UTIL since I started new job a couple months back. (UTIL was 64%)
I'm not applying for any other Chase card until I app for CSP. Also, I've identified Hilton as my best available hotel option. I would prefer SPG but there are no hotels in that chain in the area where ill be doing most of my stays.
I'm not getting CSP for some time. I want my UTIL to be ideal when I app for that. It will probably be around March.
I have had both the Hilton Amex and Citi versions and IMHO I think AMEX is better since they changed it in November....more points per categories than Citi, also the AF is $20.00 less than Citi. And Amex's version gives you AXON points (less points for stays). I will be getting rid of my Citi now that Amex Plat. comes with Gold HHonors....Compare both online, I think you would pick Amex too.
What has me leaning towards Citi is the annual free night stays. Also, I'm concerned about too many Amex products. Right now I have Zync, Delta and BCP. Cards that I'm interested in are True Earnings and SPG.
I'm not sure what's the best way to go.
I'm not sure what's the best way to go.
Sorry did not see you had other AMEX's.....
@Duncanrr wrote:
What has me leaning towards Citi is the annual free night stays. Also, I'm concerned about too many Amex products. Right now I have Zync, Delta and BCP. Cards that I'm interested in are True Earnings and SPG.
I'm not sure what's the best way to go.
If you are going to stay at Hilton, then the new benefit is a plus. The additional Amex should help your AAOA (right?) and just pick up a DP, Simplicity from Citi
