topic Re: Looking for AMEX Recommendations in Credit Cards

Looking for AMEX Recommendations

Anonymous — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 21:47:13 GMT

Hi all,

Just joined the site and have a question about American Express options. I currently have three CCs with about 42K in available credit. I maintain enough balance on one to keep my utilization around 3-5%. I have one Corp Amex that I typically use only for travel and other biz related expenses. I've been shopping the various Amex offerings, but honestly I'm a bit overwhelmed. I'm also a bit worried that I'm missing out on one of those seldom advertised cards that offer great rewards with a not too pocket emptying annual fee.

What's a must - no foreign transaction fee. Second, I'd rather have points or cash instead of miles. Miles are pretty worthless now.

I do fly Delta often, and have received a Platinum Amex offer from them a few times, but the miles on for Delta are close to worthless. I also typically stay at Hilton affiliated hotels, but their points have also deminished in value over the past year or so. That said, it is a bit more tempting to me than the Delta Plat Amex.

The Blue Cash Preferred looks ideal, but they charge a pretty hefty foreign transaction fee. bummer. I could do a Platinum charge card, but I don't think the $450 annual fee would be justified by my travels. Something between $75 and $150 would be easier for me to swallow.

I'm primarily just trying to replace a Corp Amex with a personal Amex so I can get some rewards for using the card. Any recommendations come to mind? I'm a bit on the OCD side about my credit rating, so this will be the only Amex card I will have (other than the Corp), and will most likely be the last CC I add to my wallet. My current primary card is a CSP with a 15K limit.

Thanks

Re: Looking for AMEX Recommendations

Anonymous — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 21:52:53 GMT

Why don't you use the CSP to replace your work Amex? Why does it have to be another Amex?

Re: Looking for AMEX Recommendations

Anonymous — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 22:01:19 GMT

I've thought about that. At this point, the Amex would largely be a good compliment to my CSP - a dynamic duo I suppose. Amex has treated me right for the most part. I did have a Delta Reserve card back in 2009, but Amex cancelled on me due to the high credit limit with very low use. I think they were raking in their available credit around then, and I got caught up in it. Amex Premier Rewards Gold is an option - an Amex CSR did tell me that it will have no foreign transaction fee after 1 June, but I thought there might be better options for a different bank or similar.

Re: Looking for AMEX Recommendations

Anonymous — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 22:04:12 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
I've thought about that. At this point, the Amex would largely be a good compliment to my CSP - a dynamic duo I suppose. Amex has treated me right for the most part. I did have a Delta Reserve card back in 2009, but Amex cancelled on me due to the high credit limit with very low use. I think they were raking in their available credit around then, and I got caught up in it. Amex Premier Rewards Gold is an option - an Amex CSR did tell me that it will have no foreign transaction fee after 1 June, but I thought there might be better options for a different bank or similar.

I just picked up an Amex Premier Rewards Gold yesterday. It seems like the best balance charge card if you don't want to spring for the Platinum. Are you looking for a charge card or credit card?

Re: Looking for AMEX Recommendations

mongstradamus — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 22:04:17 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
I've thought about that. At this point, the Amex would largely be a good compliment to my CSP - a dynamic duo I suppose. Amex has treated me right for the most part. I did have a Delta Reserve card back in 2009, but Amex cancelled on me due to the high credit limit with very low use. I think they were raking in their available credit around then, and I got caught up in it. Amex Premier Rewards Gold is an option - an Amex CSR did tell me that it will have no foreign transaction fee after 1 June, but I thought there might be better options for a different bank or similar.

If PRG isn't your cup of tea i would look at CSP or Citi Premeir as alternate options, they have some nice bonus categories as well. Now if you want an nice cash back card with no ftf the cap one qs is an nice option to have its 1.5% cashback on everything with no minimum redemption value.

Re: Looking for AMEX Recommendations

Anonymous — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 22:09:07 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
I've thought about that. At this point, the Amex would largely be a good compliment to my CSP - a dynamic duo I suppose. Amex has treated me right for the most part. I did have a Delta Reserve card back in 2009, but Amex cancelled on me due to the high credit limit with very low use. I think they were raking in their available credit around then, and I got caught up in it. Amex Premier Rewards Gold is an option - an Amex CSR did tell me that it will have no foreign transaction fee after 1 June, but I thought there might be better options for a different bank or similar.
I just picked up an Amex Premier Rewards Gold yesterday. It seems like the best balance charge card if you don't want to spring for the Platinum. Are you looking for a charge card or credit card?

I'm largely indifferent. Do the credit cards typically offer better rewards than the charge cards? The PRG does check most of my requirements. I saw US Bank had a pretty decent Amex and PenFed does as well. Any thoughts on those?

Re: Looking for AMEX Recommendations

Anonymous — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 23:12:12 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
I've thought about that. At this point, the Amex would largely be a good compliment to my CSP - a dynamic duo I suppose. Amex has treated me right for the most part. I did have a Delta Reserve card back in 2009, but Amex cancelled on me due to the high credit limit with very low use. I think they were raking in their available credit around then, and I got caught up in it. Amex Premier Rewards Gold is an option - an Amex CSR did tell me that it will have no foreign transaction fee after 1 June, but I thought there might be better options for a different bank or similar.
I just picked up an Amex Premier Rewards Gold yesterday. It seems like the best balance charge card if you don't want to spring for the Platinum. Are you looking for a charge card or credit card?
I'm largely indifferent. Do the credit cards typically offer better rewards than the charge cards? The PRG does check most of my requirements. I saw US Bank had a pretty decent Amex and PenFed does as well. Any thoughts on those?

The Amex charge cards have pretty good rewards and perks but you have to determine if they work better for you. Amex Membership Rewars are pretty good compared to most other miles/points. Also Chase UR is really good as well, but not Amex. Everyone's spending, benfits, habits are different so rewards is pretty subjective. Also the charge cards have a more substantial AF than most CCs. The US Bank and PenFed are just co-branded Amex so you have to deal with that bank for everything and are subject to their terms and conditions so it's not really any different than a Visa/Mastercard at any bank other than the network.

What is the reason you are looking for an Amex? Because if you are open to other cards there may be a lot more options available to you.

Re: Looking for AMEX Recommendations

thelethargicage — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 23:22:02 GMT

BCP, the only one worth getting, IMO. It's a great card for paying "bills"

Re: Looking for AMEX Recommendations

Anonymous — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 10:11:18 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
I've thought about that. At this point, the Amex would largely be a good compliment to my CSP - a dynamic duo I suppose. Amex has treated me right for the most part. I did have a Delta Reserve card back in 2009, but Amex cancelled on me due to the high credit limit with very low use. I think they were raking in their available credit around then, and I got caught up in it. Amex Premier Rewards Gold is an option - an Amex CSR did tell me that it will have no foreign transaction fee after 1 June, but I thought there might be better options for a different bank or similar.
I just picked up an Amex Premier Rewards Gold yesterday. It seems like the best balance charge card if you don't want to spring for the Platinum. Are you looking for a charge card or credit card?
I'm largely indifferent. Do the credit cards typically offer better rewards than the charge cards? The PRG does check most of my requirements. I saw US Bank had a pretty decent Amex and PenFed does as well. Any thoughts on those?
The Amex charge cards have pretty good rewards and perks but you have to determine if they work better for you. Amex Membership Rewars are pretty good compared to most other miles/points. Also Chase UR is really good as well, but not Amex. Everyone's spending, benfits, habits are different so rewards is pretty subjective. Also the charge cards have a more substantial AF than most CCs. The US Bank and PenFed are just co-branded Amex so you have to deal with that bank for everything and are subject to their terms and conditions so it's not really any different than a Visa/Mastercard at any bank other than the network.

What is the reason you are looking for an Amex? Because if you are open to other cards there may be a lot more options available to you.

Looks like Amex PRG or BCP are my only options; The Hilton Surpass could be an option, but then I'm targeting Hilton points which aren't worth what they once were. The permanent Gold status is a plus though. I can use a card like the BCP, but I would need to remember not to use it overseas. I read a lot of positive comments are about the Starwood Amex. The PRG looks to be a solid do-it-all charge card with good rewards all around. I'm looking at Amex primarily because I don't have one (other than a corp card) and their CS and rewards are pretty solid.

What other cards would you recommend? My CSP is really the only great rewards card I have, so I'd like to add another. The extended warranty protection of the Amex cards is another plus. I know visa and mc have that too, but I've read that they aren't nearly as easy to work with.

Re: Looking for AMEX Recommendations

Anonymous — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 14:06:19 GMT

@thelethargicage wrote:
BCP, the only one worth getting, IMO. It's a great card for paying "bills"

Curious why you say this about the BCP? Wouldn't paying 'bills' with it just be 1%? I use my Arrival+ for my bills now. Assuming we mean the same thing by bills (subscriptions, utility bill, etc.)

Re: Looking for AMEX Recommendations

takeshi74 — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 14:36:14 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
What's a must - no foreign transaction fee.

That severely limits your options.

Why have you settled on AmEx first? I'd suggest using your needs/wants to narrow down the options for specific products that suit you versus selecting a creditor and then trying to shoehorn one of their products into your needs/wants. If no FTF is a must there are other non-AmEx options out there that you should consider.

Looking for any solution by going over every possible option will always be overwhelming so you have to use your needs/wants to narrow down the options.

@Anonymous wrote:
I could do a Platinum charge card, but I don't think the $450 annual fee would be justified by my travels. Something between $75 and $150 would be easier for me to swallow.

Make sure for any card you're considering to run the numbers and consider total cost/benefit for your spend -- not just the AF itself. Genereally speaking the Platinum really isn't geared towards those looking for value -- though there are sites and threads discussing how to make the most of the $450 AF -- but for those lookking for the premium travel benefits. If you're looking for rewards on spend the Platinum probably isn't a good fit either. A number of Platinum holders looking to earn MR points do so with the PRG and/or other MR cards in addition to their Platinum.

@Anonymous wrote:
Second, I'd rather have points or cash instead of miles. Miles are pretty worthless now.

Have you actually run the numbers for your spend to determine this? For some, cash back is a better fit. For some mile/points are a better fit. I use both. Make sure you're carefully looking at recemptions on miles/points cards as they impact redemption value.

What are you major spend categories and what are the volumes on them like? What about non-category spend? If you just want to keep it simple and want cash back then consider something like the Citi Double Cash, the FIA AmEx or one of the 1.5% cards out there.

@Anonymous wrote:
Do the credit cards typically offer better rewards than the charge cards?

Better is always highly subjective and dependent on factors such as what I mentioned above. A charge card just has to be paid in full (unless you can use pay over time which isn't recommended). You have to perform the analysis and run the numbers when comparing rewards cards versus relying on generalizations like "X is better".

@Anonymous wrote:
I saw US Bank had a pretty decent Amex and PenFed does as well. Any thoughts on those?

You need to tell us why you're using AmEx as a criterion. Centurion issued AmEx cards and cards from other creditors that use the AmEx payment network do have differences but you can't just use those as a deciding factor IMO.

You did state "AmEx has treated me right" but that's irrrelevant for AmEx cards issued by other creditors such as US Bank and PenFed. You won't be dealing with AmEx for those cards. You'll be dealing with US Bank and PenFed.

Why do you think those cards are "pretty decent"? You're jumping all over the place with different types of cards because of what appears to be the AmEx name. Again, I'd recommend using your specific needs/wants to find a specific card that suits you versus simply looking for a logo.

@Anonymous wrote:
I just picked up an Amex Premier Rewards Gold yesterday. It seems like the best balance charge card if you don't want to spring for the Platinum.

It might be for you and others whose only requirement is "charge card" but that's not a universal matter. The Platinum and PRG are very different cards and the PRG is not an automatic fall back for the Platinum. If one is looking for the benefits of the Platinum -- again, it's primary selling point -- then there are other non AmEx and non charge cards that compete with it and should be considered.

@thelethargicage wrote:
BCP, the only one worth getting, IMO. It's a great card for paying "bills"

That's another oversimplifcation IMO. The OP hasn't stated anything that indicates that the BCP would be a good fit. We'd need the spend info to make such a recommendation.

Recommendations on any topic are not simply a matter of suggesting what one uses but considering the needs/wants of the person asking for the recommendation and what would suit that person. I use a number of cards but wouldn't just recommend them, because I use them. Spend/needs/wants/preferences/priorities vary and all that must be taken into consideration with any recommendation.

Re: Looking for AMEX Recommendations

Anonymous — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 15:43:53 GMT

That's a lot of info to digest. Thanks for taking the time to comment so thoroughly.

AMEX Platinum. I did more research and have decided against it. It offers a lot, but I don't travel enough to justify its hefty annual fee.

AMEX PRG. This one continues to be at the top of the list. I know it's a charge card, which is fine since I don't carry balances, and it has a solid rewards program that gives user a lot of options as far as points are concerned. It will also lose the foreign transaction fee on 1 June - AMEX Rep told me that. The annual fee is reasonable for what the card offers.

AMEX Surpass Hilton. Has a foreign transaction fee, which is a bummer and honestly doesn't make any sense given that Hilton is a global hotel chain. I like the permanent gold status with Hilton as I do use their properties about 80% of the time. I have about 325K points with them now. I would be dedicating all my rewards to the Hilton brand for the most part, which could be a negative down the road.

Delta Gold or Plat AMEX are out because Delta has severly weakened their miles program for redemption.

AMEX BCP. If I go strictly cash-back, it will probably be this card. I typically use a debit card for all my routine purchases, so I'm missing out on some of the perks I could gain with a card like this. But is has a foreign transaction fee, and that probably won't change anytime soon. I'd just need to track my spending a bit closer and use my CSP for my overseas swipping needs.

Did more resarch on the following: PenFed AMEX - Didn't care for the rewards, so it's out. USAA AMEX - also don't care for the rewards there, so it's also out. US Bank AMEX also out.

Why AMEX? Largely because I find their customer service to be top notch and their extended warranty protection is the best in the biz from the comments I've read. There rewards programs are straight forward, as are the options for redemption.

I have looked at a few others, like the Citi Hilton Reserve card, Citi Double Cash (3% FTF), and a couple of others. A lot of options.

If you have other recommendations, I'm all ears. My CC spending is usually travel related or large purchases. Just about everything else is paid for with a debit card or cash. I'd like to have a card that has good rewards for some everyday purchases since I'm really missing out on that currently, but still offers great point structure for flights and hotel stays.

Re: Looking for AMEX Recommendations

Anonymous — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 15:45:35 GMT

CSP would give you good customer service, no foreign transaction fee, and also primary rental insurance coverage.

Re: Looking for AMEX Recommendations

Anonymous — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 15:48:40 GMT

@takeshi74 wrote:

Recommendations on any topic are not simply a matter of suggesting what one uses but considering the needs/wants of the person asking for the recommendation and what would suit that person. I use a number of cards but wouldn't just recommend them, because I use them. Spend/needs/wants/preferences/priorities vary and all that must be taken into consideration with any recommendation.

+ a lot! See this all time here. Naturally people know most about the cards that they have, but when recommending you need to both understand what the requestor is looking for, and be aware of alternatives to the cards that you happen to have. (As a recent example, several people seem happy with their VentureOne, but that is not really a card that should be suggested to most people, only those that couldn't get a QS or similar)

Re: Looking for AMEX Recommendations

Kellan — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 15:50:35 GMT

Your requirement for No FTF limits your Amex choices. The delta card has no FTF, but as you already said Sky Pesos are worthless. The is the Amex Plat card which I personally love but it has a very high Annual fee. In my case the airport I fly from (SFO) has a centurion lounge so this is why I pay the annual fee. Also MR points are pretty great. The only other Amex with no FTF is the PRG card starting in two months. It has better rewards than the platinum card and starting in June they will stop charging FTF. You just don't get quite as many benefits as you do with the plat card.

Since you indicated that you do travel quite a bit possibly google how to minimize the annual fee on the plat card. While they never waive the fee. You do get a 200 airline credit which if you work it right can be simply 200 airline gift cards. Also you get a $100 global entry credit. And if you are being targeted for the 100k MR rewards points offer yuo can easilly the annual fee back in free flights. FirstClass to Asia for free maybe? The points guy blog has an article on how to get the most out of your Amex Plat card.

But honestly with your requirements I think you best bet is with the Amex PRG card once they waive the FTF starting in two months.

Re: Looking for AMEX Recommendations

Anonymous — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 15:54:17 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
That's a lot of info to digest. Thanks for taking the time to comment so thoroughly.

AMEX Platinum. I did more research and have decided against it. It offers a lot, but I don't travel enough to justify its hefty annual fee.

AMEX PRG. This one continues to be at the top of the list. I know it's a charge card, which is fine since I don't carry balances, and it has a solid rewards program that gives user a lot of options as far as points are concerned. It will also lose the foreign transaction fee on 1 June - AMEX Rep told me that. The annual fee is reasonable for what the card offers.

AMEX Surpass Hilton. Has a foreign transaction fee, which is a bummer and honestly doesn't make any sense given that Hilton is a global hotel chain. I like the permanent gold status with Hilton as I do use their properties about 80% of the time. I have about 325K points with them now. I would be dedicating all my rewards to the Hilton brand for the most part, which could be a negative down the road.

Delta Gold or Plat AMEX are out because Delta has severly weakened their miles program for redemption.

AMEX BCP. If I go strictly cash-back, it will probably be this card. I typically use a debit card for all my routine purchases, so I'm missing out on some of the perks I could gain with a card like this. But is has a foreign transaction fee, and that probably won't change anytime soon. I'd just need to track my spending a bit closer and use my CSP for my overseas swipping needs.

Did more resarch on the following: PenFed AMEX - Didn't care for the rewards, so it's out. USAA AMEX - also don't care for the rewards there, so it's also out. US Bank AMEX also out.

Why AMEX? Largely because I find their customer service to be top notch and their extended warranty protection is the best in the biz from the comments I've read. There rewards programs are straight forward, as are the options for redemption.

I have looked at a few others, like the Citi Hilton Reserve card, Citi Double Cash (3% FTF), and a couple of others. A lot of options.

If you have other recommendations, I'm all ears. My CC spending is usually travel related or large purchases. Just about everything else is paid for with a debit card or cash. I'd like to have a card that has good rewards for some everyday purchases since I'm really missing out on that currently, but still offers great point structure for flights and hotel stays.

On Amex customer service, as you probably realize by now, that only applies to cards issued by Amex, not others using the network.

Re BCP: The real value of that card is on grocery spend, which is not typically an area that needs customer service or extended warranty protection. For general purchases to replace a debit card, you can do better than the 1% you would get with the BCP, which has an annual fee and pays out more than a month later compared to other cards. If you spend about $6K a year on groceries, then yes, this is a good match, but consider getting something like Quicksilver (1.5%, no FTF) or one of the 2% cards (with FTF) for other purchases.

But it really depends on your spending patterns, there are a lot of cards out there!

Re: Looking for AMEX Recommendations

Anonymous — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 15:59:01 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
CSP would give you good customer service, no foreign transaction fee, and also primary rental insurance coverage.

Yep, I have a CSP now. So I'm looking for a good card to go along with it.

Re: Looking for AMEX Recommendations

Anonymous — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 16:01:13 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
CSP would give you good customer service, no foreign transaction fee, and also primary rental insurance coverage.
Yep, I have a CSP now. So I'm looking for a good card to go along with it.

Okay, do you have any reservations against Citi Premier? Customer service is more than alright.

Re: Looking for AMEX Recommendations

Anonymous — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 16:10:53 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
CSP would give you good customer service, no foreign transaction fee, and also primary rental insurance coverage.
Yep, I have a CSP now. So I'm looking for a good card to go along with it.
Okay, do you have any reservations against Citi Premier? Customer service is more than alright.

Citi does have some interesting options. The Premier, Prestige, and Hilton Reserve have all been on my radar.

The Prestige has a high annual fee, but some great benefits that offset pretty much all of it. Hilton Reserve gets me permanent gold status and has no FTF, the $95 annual fee is worth it for those two free nights. Premier looks to be a good all around points card. Are the Prestige and Premier chip enabled now?

Re: Looking for AMEX Recommendations

Anonymous — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 16:16:22 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
CSP would give you good customer service, no foreign transaction fee, and also primary rental insurance coverage.
Yep, I have a CSP now. So I'm looking for a good card to go along with it.
Okay, do you have any reservations against Citi Premier? Customer service is more than alright.
Citi does have some interesting options. The Premier, Prestige, and Hilton Reserve have all been on my radar.

The Prestige has a high annual fee, but some great benefits that offset pretty much all of it. Hilton Reserve gets me permanent gold status and has no FTF, the $95 annual fee is worth it for those two free nights. Premier looks to be a good all around points card. Are the Prestige and Premier chip enabled now?

Yes, I'm quite certain you can get chip (and signature) on all Citi cards now. I was recently looking at Hilton cards as well. But, all my research pointed to the fact that the Hilton points are severely devalued and I could get far more bang for my buck with a general points-based card.