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I went for the Ritz last year solely for the 3 free nights and the upgrades and Ritz status as the girlfriend and I are trying to go on a short vacation this year somewhere spiffy, but funds are not abundant after buying a house last summer. I'll probably roll my CSP into the Ritz and PC it to the CSR sometime this fall...I'd app for the CSR but it will be a couple years until I'm under 5/24.
If you were aiming to test drive 1,2, or 3 of these cards...I'd do what another posted suggested and open up a Chase account first...cash in on the bonus and then see what Amex has to offer on the Platinum. The Platinum isn't going anywhere but if you go that route first, you will likely lock out on Chase (except the Ritz which wasn't 5/24 when I applied but might be now...)
Solid advice by everyone here. I would just like to add (sorry if it has already been mentioned and if you already know this) that getting the CSR would be beneficial right now. You are 4/24 + cards that are not cobranded generate more revenue for the bank so it would eventually lead to better relationship with the bank over time (if you do not pay late or default). If you still want the platinum and ritz you can always get them later.
MF is pretty partial to Chase and the CSR, and no doubt the CSR is a great travel card. But the Amex Platinum gives you more benefits and exclusivity:
Unless I am mistaken (which is totally possible), isn't the Philly airport almost all American Airlines? I personally think that a lot of the Plat's benefits work best in conjunction with flying on Delta. At least the CSR allows for redemption on American, Delta, United, Southwest through the UR portal. Also, since you don't need the hotel status on Hilton or SPG/Marriott that comes with the Plat, that seems to eliminate a lot of the Plat's value.
@deltatee wrote:Unless I am mistaken (which is totally possible), isn't the Philly airport almost all American Airlines? I personally think that a lot of the Plat's benefits work best in conjunction with flying on Delta. At least the CSR allows for redemption on American, Delta, United, Southwest through the UR portal. Also, since you don't need the hotel status on Hilton or SPG/Marriott that comes with the Plat, that seems to eliminate a lot of the Plat's value.
PHL is getting a Centurion later this year.
@wasCB14 wrote:
@deltatee wrote:Unless I am mistaken (which is totally possible), isn't the Philly airport almost all American Airlines? I personally think that a lot of the Plat's benefits work best in conjunction with flying on Delta. At least the CSR allows for redemption on American, Delta, United, Southwest through the UR portal. Also, since you don't need the hotel status on Hilton or SPG/Marriott that comes with the Plat, that seems to eliminate a lot of the Plat's value.
PHL is getting a Centurion later this year.
Well that is a good news and definitely a perk!
@deltatee wrote:
@wasCB14 wrote:
@deltatee wrote:Unless I am mistaken (which is totally possible), isn't the Philly airport almost all American Airlines? I personally think that a lot of the Plat's benefits work best in conjunction with flying on Delta. At least the CSR allows for redemption on American, Delta, United, Southwest through the UR portal. Also, since you don't need the hotel status on Hilton or SPG/Marriott that comes with the Plat, that seems to eliminate a lot of the Plat's value.
PHL is getting a Centurion later this year.
Well that is a good news and definitely a perk!
It's supposed to open in August, I think...so the only reason to rush an app would be to get in on a lower AF for a year.
Wikipedia says PHL has full airside connectivity, so the 20% or so of non-AA flights out of PHL should also have access.