topic Re: The time has come... Amex Delta Plat/Reserve? CSP? in Credit Card Approvals

The time has come... Amex Delta Plat/Reserve? CSP?

joshuapd1987 — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 00:24:33 GMT

Hi there, friends!

Happy Tuesday!

The time has come... More apps! Here's the deal... I spend a lot... and I travel a lot... so that's what's important to me! First... Let's talk about cards.

CSP - I've wanted it. But I usually fly Delta... and they're not a Chase Partner! Is there a way to do this without creating sadness... or just... no? I've got something like 200K Delta points and I don't want to not be able to use them in conjunction with my CSP points!

Amex Delta Plat vs Reverse - What's really better?

And... what are my chances for any/all of the above - and with what kind of limits?

Limits below! Current AAoA 10 months... I put about 15-20K/month on my Plat and obviously PIF every month. Pay everything off in full each month, except for a 1% balance to grab those extra few FICO points...

Both Amex Cards - Open 6/2013

Discover - Open 6/13

Walmart - Open 6/13 (CLI to 1K earlier this month)

Orchard (Now C1 Plat) - Open 10/2011 - CLI'd to 1200 this month

Cap 1 (Now Quicksilver) - Open 1/2013 - CLI'd to 2500 this month

Chase Freedom - Open 6/2013

First Premier - Open 4/2011 - Closed 9/2013

6 Inquiries on EX this year, 2 on TU, 5 on EQ. The only baddie is a collection from 2010 on TU... So kinda wanna stay away from that guy. Income 120K, Rent 1K/Month. Scores from myFico.com... as of today! EXP 735, EQ 697, TU 647.

What do we think, friends?

Thank you!!

[Edited to include scores.]

Re: The time has come... Amex Delta Plat/Reserve? CSP?

CreditScholar — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 01:08:30 GMT

The CSP and Delta are quite far apart, especially since Delta has traditionally been firmly in the hands of Amex (Chase's biggest competitor).

The only way to use CSP points for Delta flights is to transfer to Korean Air (since they're a Skyteam Partner), and frankly that's a huge pain. The other possibility is to use CSP points as cash, but that's usually a poor value proposition.

The main differences between the Delta Plat and the Reserve are:

1. Skyclub Access with the Reserve. The Delta platinum doesn't grant access. Note that this isn't full membership, so you won't be able to get into any of Delta's partner airline lounges with the Reserve card.

2. The companion pass for the Reserve is good for First Class, whereas the Platinum is restricted to economy.

3. The Reserve offers higher MQMs after hitting certain thresholds.

You'll have to make a decision between the two based on how much the above factors matter to you.

Re: The time has come... Amex Delta Plat/Reserve? CSP?

joshuapd1987 — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 01:10:35 GMT

Thanks for that, CreditScholar! I think Reserve would be the way to go, then! Usually the same bonus miles?

Sad about the CSP. I really was into 2x miles on dining.

What are my chances for the Reserve in your opinion?

Re: The time has come... Amex Delta Plat/Reserve? CSP?

CreditScholar — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 01:25:17 GMT

@joshuapd1987 wrote:
Thanks for that, CreditScholar! I think Reserve would be the way to go, then! Usually the same bonus miles?

Sad about the CSP. I really was into 2x miles on dining.

What are my chances for the Reserve in your opinion?

Amex relies much more heavily on their own internal scoring model than your CRs, assuming you're an existing cardmember. As such, how well you've used your Plat and PRG will factor in much more heavily than anything else. Assuming you've used these well, you have a good chance IMO.

Re: The time has come... Amex Delta Plat/Reserve? CSP?

joshuapd1987 — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 01:26:29 GMT

Awesome, thanks!

Re: The time has come... Amex Delta Plat/Reserve? CSP?

joshuapd1987 — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 01:27:43 GMT

I see you've got the Ritz card... I was looking at that as well. How do you like it?

Re: The time has come... Amex Delta Plat/Reserve? CSP?

CreditScholar — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 01:36:21 GMT

@joshuapd1987 wrote:
I see you've got the Ritz card... I was looking at that as well. How do you like it?

It's actually a good card, but I'd only get it if you stay at the Ritz (for the club level upgrades) or at Marriotts frequently (but not enough to get gold status). If you do, it's a fantastic value. However if you don't, you'll likely find much better value in the Amex Platinum.

Ritz & Marriott Gold > SPG Gold

Lounge Club < Priority Pass Select + DL + AA

Ritz $200 Airline Credit (not locked into one airline) > Amex Plat's $200 airline credit

Amex's FHR can be good if you use it, Ritz has no comparable program

Re: The time has come... Amex Delta Plat/Reserve? CSP?

joshuapd1987 — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 01:38:01 GMT

I'm usually at the Ritz or Four Seasons... so that may be something to go for after I have one of their revolvers for a few months.

Sounds great!

Re: The time has come... Amex Delta Plat/Reserve? CSP?

Anonymous — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 01:42:44 GMT

You say you spend a lot, but that means different things to different people.... sooo let us know what is a lot to you. If you spend over 60k a year the delta reserve card will net you 30k MQMs. If you spend 50k or less than stick with the platinum, you're Platinum charge card already gets you into the SkyClubs so there is really no need for the reserve except for the extra MQMs

I think you also have a better shot at getting the AMEX but I would wait 3-6 months to let some of your accounts age before you applied for anything.

edit: I just noticed you already had a Freedom, you should be a shoe in for the CSP although they might ask you to move some CL from your Freedom over.

Re: The time has come... Amex Delta Plat/Reserve? CSP?

CreditScholar — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 01:45:29 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
You say you spend a lot, but that means different things to different people.... sooo let us know what is a lot to you. If you spend over 60k a year the delta reserve card will net you 30k MQMs. If you spend 50k or less than stick with the platinum, you're Platinum charge card already gets you into the SkyClubs so there is really no need for the reserve except for the extra MQMs

I think you also have a better shot at getting the AMEX but I would wait 3-6 months to let some of your accounts age before you applied for anything.

edit: I just noticed you already had a Freedom, you should be a shoe in for the CSP although they might ask you to move some CL from your Freedom over.

I think the OP said he pushes through 15-20k per month on his plat. I'd definitely consider that a lot.

Re: The time has come... Amex Delta Plat/Reserve? CSP?

joshuapd1987 — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 01:45:35 GMT

Thanks, Ryan!

Re: The time has come... Amex Delta Plat/Reserve? CSP?

joshuapd1987 — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 01:46:43 GMT

@CreditScholar wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
You say you spend a lot, but that means different things to different people.... sooo let us know what is a lot to you. If you spend over 60k a year the delta reserve card will net you 30k MQMs. If you spend 50k or less than stick with the platinum, you're Platinum charge card already gets you into the SkyClubs so there is really no need for the reserve except for the extra MQMs

I think you also have a better shot at getting the AMEX but I would wait 3-6 months to let some of your accounts age before you applied for anything.

edit: I just noticed you already had a Freedom, you should be a shoe in for the CSP although they might ask you to move some CL from your Freedom over.
I think the OP said he pushes through 15-20k per month on his plat. I'd definitely consider that a lot.

LOL I wasn't going to say it that way, but yeah...

Re: The time has come... Amex Delta Plat/Reserve? CSP?

joshuapd1987 — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 01:47:18 GMT

Alert! I've app'd for the reserve... and now I've got a Pending Further Review notice. What should I do?!

Re: The time has come... Amex Delta Plat/Reserve? CSP?

09Lexie — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 01:49:30 GMT

Remove your bronze spade and hope for the best!

Re: The time has come... Amex Delta Plat/Reserve? CSP?

joshuapd1987 — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 01:50:25 GMT

@09Lexie wrote:
Remove your bronze spade and hope for the best!

OUCH.

Should I call...?

Re: The time has come... Amex Delta Plat/Reserve? CSP?

09Lexie — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 01:54:41 GMT

Sure... Good luck

Re: The time has come... Amex Delta Plat/Reserve? CSP?

CreditScholar — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 01:54:42 GMT

@joshuapd1987 wrote:
@09Lexie wrote:
Remove your bronze spade and hope for the best!
OUCH.

Should I call...?

Quick question, how are you pushing through 15-20k per month when your stated income is only 120k? That's something that might raise a red flag, in addition to your AAoA.

Re: The time has come... Amex Delta Plat/Reserve? CSP?

Anonymous — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 01:59:51 GMT

@CreditScholar wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
You say you spend a lot, but that means different things to different people.... sooo let us know what is a lot to you. If you spend over 60k a year the delta reserve card will net you 30k MQMs. If you spend 50k or less than stick with the platinum, you're Platinum charge card already gets you into the SkyClubs so there is really no need for the reserve except for the extra MQMs

I think you also have a better shot at getting the AMEX but I would wait 3-6 months to let some of your accounts age before you applied for anything.

edit: I just noticed you already had a Freedom, you should be a shoe in for the CSP although they might ask you to move some CL from your Freedom over.
I think the OP said he pushes through 15-20k per month on his plat. I'd definitely consider that a lot.

I took it to mean he spent 15-20K since he opened it, that's why I was asking.

If he spends 15-20k per month he should open a personal platinum and ad business reserve and net the 55k MQMs from spending 110K /year

Re: The time has come... Amex Delta Plat/Reserve? CSP?

joshuapd1987 — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 02:30:12 GMT

Hi! Re: Spend - When I'm working my expenses skyrocket (some reimburseable, some not), so I go through a lot... but when the freelance work slows down between gigs, it comes to a screeching halt.

Approved for the Reserve... but with only a 3100 limit. :-\ Any chance they'll recon?

Re: The time has come... Amex Delta Plat/Reserve? CSP?

09Lexie — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 02:39:11 GMT

You know Amex doesn't recon cls. Just try for it in 61 days.

Congrats