topic Re: Amex Platinum to Costco Card AMEX, Hilton Honors AMEX, Capital One Venture, or CSP? in Credit Card Approvals

Amex Platinum to Costco Card AMEX, Hilton Honors AMEX, Capital One Venture, or CSP?

kclb — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 02:20:09 GMT

Aloha peeps...

I've had my AMEX Platinum for almost a year now and decided that I don't really use the benefits of that card. So I plan to close it. I want to get one of the four cc that I listed...times are hard nowadays so I want to get the card that would benefit me the most...

Capital One was my first CC that I got back in 1998 but I missed some payment(s) with them. I wonder if I can reapply? I'd like to re-establish good history with them if possible.

Which one is "easier" to get? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!~

Mahalos!

Tony

Re: Amex Platinum to Costco Card AMEX, Hilton Honors AMEX, Capital One Venture, or CSP?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 05:37:01 GMT

My thoughts:

1) Capital One Venture - I personally loathe Capital One and do everything possible to stay away fom them.. I have such a bad taste in my mouth fom my sub-prime days with them, that I just can't bringmyself to go back to them when there are so many better lenders out here!

2) Costco Amex - I'm not a Costco shopper, hence I've never really considered the card. I also don't think the rewards are fantastic. There are better no-fee cash back cards out there like the US Bank Cash+ card that I just apped for.

3) Hilton Amex - I have the Hilton Amex card, but with the introduction of the Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve card, there's just no comparison. The Gold status alone is worth the annual fee. Beyond that, the 2 free nights on signup can be worth upwards of $1500. The nights can even be used at (standard reward) Waldorf Astoria hotels.

4) Amex Platinum - I agree with you. While I'm a big fan of Amex charge cards, the value on the membership rewards points just is not there. IMHO, the perks of the plat card don't warrant that hefty fee. Hence, I've hung on to my PRG... for now.

My vote for the best go-to card is the CSP. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is actually the best card out there for those looking for travel rewards. Period.

Why:

1) By booking travel through the Ultimate Rewards website, you're able to earn 3 points per dollar on hotel and airfare. Incredible. This is far better than even the United MileagePlus Explorer or Club Card (which carries a hefty annual fee of $395)! CSP also earn 2 points per dollar on all other travel and dining purchases.

2) No foreign transaction fees on CSP

3) 7% yearly point dividend on CSP

4) 20% fewer points required if "paying with points" (Amex is a 1:1 ratio, CSP is 0.8:1 ratio)

5) No point transfer fees. It really sucks to pay MR transfer fees.

6) Visa signature cards offer price protection - "You made an eligible purchase last week, and now it's on sale at your local retailer. With price protection, you can be reimbursed for the difference when you use your Card (up to $500 per item)." Awesome benefit

7) Again, while I absolutely love Amex, it's not accepted everywhere. I'd say it's accepted at about 80-90% of the places I've wanted to use it.

Hope this helps.

Re: Amex Platinum to Costco Card AMEX, Hilton Honors AMEX, Capital One Venture, or CSP?

kclb — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 05:45:30 GMT

Aloha!

Thanks for the input and info! Yeah, I just noticed the Citi HHonors card. That sounds pretty good w/ the Gold Hhonors status as long as you have the card. I heard that you have to have a high credit limit for CSP. I don't have high limits on my credit cards...

Time to think about it...

Mahalos!~

Tony

Re: Amex Platinum to Costco Card AMEX, Hilton Honors AMEX, Capital One Venture, or CSP?

DailyDriver — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 05:48:42 GMT

The no fee Amex hilton is good to have for access to AXON and GLON reward redemptions.

Re: Amex Platinum to Costco Card AMEX, Hilton Honors AMEX, Capital One Venture, or CSP?

kclb — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 05:51:02 GMT

Thanks for the input...

I guess another deciding factor is - no foreign transaction fees. I'm planning to go Japan/Korea in a few months and it would be nice to save some money...I only found Capital One, CSP, and CitiCard Hhonors Reserve with no fees...

Hmm...k.

Re: Amex Platinum to Costco Card AMEX, Hilton Honors AMEX, Capital One Venture, or CSP?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 06:01:02 GMT

@kclb wrote:
Aloha!

Thanks for the input and info! Yeah, I just noticed the Citi HHonors card. That sounds pretty good w/ the Gold Hhonors status as long as you have the card. I heard that you have to have a high credit limit for CSP. I don't have high limits on my credit cards...

Time to think about it...

Mahalos!~

Tony

Glad to help!

You are correct, you would need a minimum CL of $5,000 for the CSP. I will say this much... The Chase recon line is fantastic!

Good luck!

Re: Amex Platinum to Costco Card AMEX, Hilton Honors AMEX, Capital One Venture, or CSP?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 06:03:52 GMT

@DailyDriver wrote:
The no fee Amex hilton is good to have for access to AXON and GLON reward redemptions.

While this is true, the Hilton VIP rewards (as a HHonors Gold) are almost identical to the AXON/GLON rewards.

Re: Amex Platinum to Costco Card AMEX, Hilton Honors AMEX, Capital One Venture, or CSP?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 06:09:19 GMT

@kclb wrote:
Thanks for the input...

I guess another deciding factor is - no foreign transaction fees. I'm planning to go Japan/Korea in a few months and it would be nice to save some money...I only found Capital One, CSP, and CitiCard Hhonors Reserve with no fees...

Hmm...k.

Ok. There are others with no foreign transaction fees. Citi TY Premier and PenFed Promise are also great examples. It's all a matter of what you're looking to get out of your card. If you're looking for travel rewards, I would still recommend the CSP.

Re: Amex Platinum to Costco Card AMEX, Hilton Honors AMEX, Capital One Venture, or CSP?

kclb — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 06:11:35 GMT

I think I'm going to try both CSP and Citi Hhonors. ha.

I wonder what will happen...I used to have Citi but closed it awhile back...had decent history w/ them though...

Re: Amex Platinum to Costco Card AMEX, Hilton Honors AMEX, Capital One Venture, or CSP?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 06:16:40 GMT

Just kidding, it looks like you are looking at much fancier cards.

Re: Amex Platinum to Costco Card AMEX, Hilton Honors AMEX, Capital One Venture, or CSP?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 06:15:52 GMT

Go for it! You won't be sorry. Great cards.

Don't forget about the CSP signup bonus. It's currently 40,000 points, which is worth $500 if used as "pay with points". (if you can accumulate the points, the points are generally better used when transferred to partner airlines like United.)

Not sure if you're familiar with the benefits of HHonors Gold. It includes upgrades, free breakfast, free Internet. Like I said, a bargain and a half!

Re: Amex Platinum to Costco Card AMEX, Hilton Honors AMEX, Capital One Venture, or CSP?

kclb — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 06:18:28 GMT

Much Thanks..

haha. Yeah, I should know the benefits of Hilton Honors Gold...their my employer! Man...choices I tell you...

Re: Amex Platinum to Costco Card AMEX, Hilton Honors AMEX, Capital One Venture, or CSP?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 06:25:27 GMT

Awesome!!

I love Hiltons in Hawaii! That's the life!

Which island, if I can ask?

Re: Amex Platinum to Costco Card AMEX, Hilton Honors AMEX, Capital One Venture, or CSP?

kclb — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 06:28:54 GMT

O'ahu...

Yeah, not too bad to be stuck in the middle of the pacific ocean, eh?

Re: Amex Platinum to Costco Card AMEX, Hilton Honors AMEX, Capital One Venture, or CSP?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 06:30:22 GMT

Love it!

Enjoy paradise!!

Re: Amex Platinum to Costco Card AMEX, Hilton Honors AMEX, Capital One Venture, or CSP?

kclb — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 06:52:06 GMT

I think I'm going to hold off a bit...maybe pay off some bills first then try in a few months from now...ha.

Maybe that will make a difference...I hope. ha.

Re: Amex Platinum to Costco Card AMEX, Hilton Honors AMEX, Capital One Venture, or CSP?

Anonymous — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 07:09:03 GMT

Low utilization will definitely help. Good luck!

Re: Amex Platinum to Costco Card AMEX, Hilton Honors AMEX, Capital One Venture, or CSP?

chnceit — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 08:13:51 GMT

Aloha from Hawaii too! CSP is a great travel card. I was just approved last week. If you have currently have 5K in credit and low UTI just chnceit!

Re: Amex Platinum to Costco Card AMEX, Hilton Honors AMEX, Capital One Venture, or CSP?

kclb — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 08:16:37 GMT

Eh, howzit!

Hmm. I think my UTI is high so I like drop 'em somewhat first...I know my amex platinum get like 5k+ but I going close 'em anyway. So...ha. Guess I'll lower down the bills before I jump the gun...

Re: Amex Platinum to Costco Card AMEX, Hilton Honors AMEX, Capital One Venture, or CSP?

chnceit — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 08:21:28 GMT

@kclb wrote:
Eh, howzit!

Hmm. I think my UTI is high so I like drop 'em somewhat first...I know my amex platinum get like 5k+ but I going close 'em anyway. So...ha. Guess I'll lower down the bills before I jump the gun...

Howzit! Yea gotta get down cause they touchy like that