topic Re: People with CSR. Will you be keeping the card ? in Credit Cards

People with CSR. Will you be keeping the card ?

darkfrosty — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 16:04:50 GMT

My annual fee just hit and im not sure if I am keeping the card. What about you guys ?

Re: People with CSR. Will you be keeping the card ?

Anonymous — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 16:19:50 GMT

if you travel enough to get the benefits, seems like a keeper. Otherwise, its wasted money. I keep my amex platinum simply bc i travel a decent amount. I believe with that card you get $300 in airline/hotel credits and 3x pts on travel/dining. Then you get some lounge access (I think), as well as some hotel and rental car priveleges. So yeah, for a frequent traveler, I'd say its worth it. But if you're only taking 1-2 trips a year, meh. In that case you did well to get the 100 K pts, now time to cut it imo.

Re: People with CSR. Will you be keeping the card ?

cjesser15 — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 16:54:24 GMT

I am making a decision on this as well and I'm leaning towards not keeping it. However, I think it's because of travel habits that are specific to me. I tend to travel domestically and have yet to be in a terminal with a Priority Pass lounge. When I travel off of work time I tend to travel with groups and/or for specific events and rarely end up having much say in what hotel we stay at or what flights we take. I have a big international trip coming up in January but we hired a travel agent to handle all the organization and get group rates, etc. So I didn't get to use my URs for anything. And I think I'll be traveling less next year. So in my specific case, I think I'll he PCing it and probably moving back to more of a cash back strategy.

Re: People with CSR. Will you be keeping the card ?

UpperNwGuy — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 17:05:26 GMT

Yes, I will be keeping the Chase Sapphire Reserve because this card will continue to be good for me in the second year. I spend about $10,000 a year in the Travel and Dining categories that get the 3 points per dollar, and 3 points equates to a 4.5% rate of return. Rather than using the Chase travel portal, I transfer the Ultimate Reward points to United's frequent flyer program, increasing their value by about the same 1.5x that they would increase by using the travel portal.

For me, the CSR is much better than Amex Platinum because most of my airfare is paid with frequent flyer miles earned in previous years, so I would rarely benefit from Platinum's 5 points per dollar on airfare. I realize that CSR gives 3 points per dollar for hotels rather than the 5 points given by Platinum, but I prefer to deal directly with the hotels rather than through a travel portal as required by Platinum. I also prefer the way CSR handles travel credits (flights and hotels count towards the credit, unlike Platinum's incidental expenses).

Re: People with CSR. Will you be keeping the card ?

Anonymous — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 17:13:19 GMT

@UpperNwGuy wrote:

For me, the CSR is much better than Amex Platinum because most of my airfare is paid with frequent flyer miles earned in previous years, so I would rarely benefit from Platinum's 5 points per dollar on airfare. I realize that CSR gives 3 points per dollar for hotels rather than the 5 points given by Platinum, but I prefer to deal directly with the hotels rather than through a travel portal as required by Platinum. I also prefer the way CSR handles travel credits (flights and hotels count towards the credit, unlike Platinum's incidental expenses).

100% agreed. In fact, the only reason I keep my platinum vs getting a CSR is for the superior lounge network. One correction, you can use the platinum credit for flights, but you have to designate the airline.

Re: People with CSR. Will you be keeping the card ?

UpperNwGuy — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 17:21:03 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
100% agreed. In fact, the only reason I keep my platinum vs getting a CSR is for the superior lounge network. One correction, you can use the platinum credit for flights, but you have to designate the airline.

Whether or not you can use the Platinum travel credit for flights has been the subject of some recent discussion here on myFico. The Platinum card's terms and conditions say you cannot, but a few members have said that they got the credit for an airfare purchase. The Points Guy wrote a whole blog entry on this two months ago, and he thinks the credit does not include flights. And knowing him, he talked to Amex back-channel before publishing his blog entry.

Re: People with CSR. Will you be keeping the card ?

Anonymous — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 17:24:30 GMT

@UpperNwGuy wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
100% agreed. In fact, the only reason I keep my platinum vs getting a CSR is for the superior lounge network. One correction, you can use the platinum credit for flights, but you have to designate the airline.
Whether or not you can use the Platinum travel credit for flights has been the subject of some recent discussion here on myFico. The Platinum card's terms and conditions say you cannot, but a few members have said that they got the credit for an airfare purchase. The Points Guy wrote a whole blog entry on this two months ago, and he thinks the credit does not include flights. And knowing him, he talked to Amex back-channel before publishing his blog entry.

I can confirm it does, as I use it as credit each year for flights.

Re: People with CSR. Will you be keeping the card ?

wasCB14 — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 17:30:00 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@UpperNwGuy wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
100% agreed. In fact, the only reason I keep my platinum vs getting a CSR is for the superior lounge network. One correction, you can use the platinum credit for flights, but you have to designate the airline.
Whether or not you can use the Platinum travel credit for flights has been the subject of some recent discussion here on myFico. The Platinum card's terms and conditions say you cannot, but a few members have said that they got the credit for an airfare purchase. The Points Guy wrote a whole blog entry on this two months ago, and he thinks the credit does not include flights. And knowing him, he talked to Amex back-channel before publishing his blog entry.
I can confirm it does, as I use it as credit each year for flights.

"Airline tickets, upgrades, mileage points purchases, mileage points transfer fees, gift cards, duty free purchases, and award tickets are not deemed to be incidental fees."

You pick the airline on which fees will be reimbursed. Airfare reimbursements sometimes happen but are officially excluded. I've had airfare be reimbursed, and I've also had airfare NOT be reimbursed.

Re: People with CSR. Will you be keeping the card ?

Anonymous — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 17:43:01 GMT

@wasCB14 wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@UpperNwGuy wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
100% agreed. In fact, the only reason I keep my platinum vs getting a CSR is for the superior lounge network. One correction, you can use the platinum credit for flights, but you have to designate the airline.
Whether or not you can use the Platinum travel credit for flights has been the subject of some recent discussion here on myFico. The Platinum card's terms and conditions say you cannot, but a few members have said that they got the credit for an airfare purchase. The Points Guy wrote a whole blog entry on this two months ago, and he thinks the credit does not include flights. And knowing him, he talked to Amex back-channel before publishing his blog entry.
I can confirm it does, as I use it as credit each year for flights.

"Airline tickets, upgrades, mileage points purchases, mileage points transfer fees, gift cards, duty free purchases, and award tickets are not deemed to be incidental fees."

You pick the airline on which fees will be reimbursed. Airfare reimbursements sometimes happen but are officially excluded. I've had airfare be reimbursed, and I've also had airfare NOT be reimbursed.

Oh wow, I've never had the issue over many years of use. I was just checking Flyer Talk regarding this, and they mentioned just getting gift cards for that specific airline works. If I have ever have issue with this I'll be cancelling the card.

Re: People with CSR. Will you be keeping the card ?

BronzeTrader — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 18:23:47 GMT

For CSR, you get 3% on all travel and 1.5x on UR points to redeem on travel. So it is essentially a 4.5% travel reward card. Since I have a total of 5 Chase Freedom, FU and Sapphire cards, I'm keeping the CSR, no brainer.

Not sure if I'll keep AmEx Plat though. The rewards are too narrow compared with CSR.

Re: People with CSR. Will you be keeping the card ?

Anonymous — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 18:43:12 GMT

I am keeping mine (though I product changed mine from a CSP) I am also an AMEX Platinum holder. I am on the fence with that one, but I got the fee reduced $300 this year when it was time to renew so it ended up neting $50.

Re: People with CSR. Will you be keeping the card ?

ridgebackpilot — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 19:36:55 GMT

@darkfrosty wrote:
My annual fee just hit and im not sure if I am keeping the card. What about you guys ?

Definitely a keeper for me due to my frequent travel including overseas trips.

Here's a review published yesterday that may help you make up your own mind: https://thepointsguy.com/2017/09/2017-cc-inventory-james-oliver-cury/

Of the CSR, he says, "Now this is the card I use at all restaurants, cafes, diners and for most travel, which includes a surprisingly diverse array of situations: hotels, motels, timeshares, campgrounds, car rental agencies, cruise lines, travel agencies, discount travel sites and operators of passenger trains, buses, taxis, limousines, ferries, toll bridges and highways and parking lots and garages."

Likewise, I've found the 3X point earning potential of this card very flexible and generous. I"ll definitely be keeping the card and may instead close my United MileagePlus Explorer card. That card gives me 2 points for every United Airlines purchase, but the CSR gives me 3 points for every travel dollar spent, and I can easily transfer those points to the United MileagePlus program.

Over the years, I've thought about acquiring the AMEX Platinum. But I mostly fly United Airlines and you cannot transfer MR points to United. That, plus the rather narrow range of benefits that someone else mentioned are enough to keep me from applying for the Platinum card. For me at least, CSR is a far superior travel card.

Re: People with CSR. Will you be keeping the card ?

iced — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 21:46:36 GMT

No other card gives 3 United miles per dollar in any category let alone the two largest categories I spend on each month, and until one does I see no reason to part with this card.

Re: People with CSR. Will you be keeping the card ?

wasCB14 — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 22:07:05 GMT

@ridgebackpilot wrote:
Over the years, I've thought about acquiring the AMEX Platinum. But I mostly fly United Airlines and you cannot transfer MR points to United. That, plus the rather narrow range of benefits that someone else mentioned are enough to keep me from applying for the Platinum card. For me at least, CSR is a far superior travel card.

No MRs to United, but broad lounge access can make flying some United-dominated routes less unpleasant! The value of that depends on a person's itinerary, of course.

I'm not sure what you mean by "narrow range of benefits". If you mean stuff like the lack of travel delay insurance, then that is definitely a weakness to Platinum.

But if you're talking about perks, I'd say Platinum has a great variety of benefits: Lounge access, Uber and airfare extras credits, elite status with major hotel chains, the dining program, and a few other little things. Certainly travel-focused, but what other card comes close?

Re: People with CSR. Will you be keeping the card ?

Noctilum — Sat, 02 Sep 2017 23:45:43 GMT

Yes I am heavily invested in the UR program for travel so it only makes sense. I use my Delta Reserve card for airfare and lounge access but the CSR for everything else.

Re: People with CSR. Will you be keeping the card ?

UpperNwGuy — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 00:26:33 GMT

wasCB14 wrote:.

I'm not sure what you mean by "narrow range of benefits". If you mean stuff like the lack of travel delay insurance, then that is definitely a weakness to Platinum.
But if you're talking about perks, I'd say Platinum has a great variety of benefits: Lounge access, Uber and airfare extras credits, elite status with major hotel chains, the dining program, and a few other little things. Certainly travel-focused, but what other card comes close?

Narrow range of benefits:

Platinum: 5 points for airfare and hotels. Hotels must be booked through Amex travel portal. Travel credit limited to "airline incidental expenses."

CSR: 3 points for airfare, hotels, cruise ships, railroads, subways, buses, taxis, parking garages, highway tolls, restaurants. No requirement to use travel portal. Travel credit for any travel.

Re: People with CSR. Will you be keeping the card ?

digitek — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 00:28:06 GMT

I am still a little undecided, but think I will drop it. I just don't really travel enough to justify it.

If I honestly look at my spending habits I am better off with a no AF card that has a little bit of travel insurance built in. Wish I would've jumped on the Travelite from FNBO, that was perfect for my spending habits.

Re: People with CSR. Will you be keeping the card ?

Anonymous — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 00:52:43 GMT

@UpperNwGuy wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
100% agreed. In fact, the only reason I keep my platinum vs getting a CSR is for the superior lounge network. One correction, you can use the platinum credit for flights, but you have to designate the airline.
Whether or not you can use the Platinum travel credit for flights has been the subject of some recent discussion here on myFico. The Platinum card's terms and conditions say you cannot, but a few members have said that they got the credit for an airfare purchase. The Points Guy wrote a whole blog entry on this two months ago, and he thinks the credit does not include flights. And knowing him, he talked to Amex back-channel before publishing his blog entry.

You can use the credit to get airline gift cards and then use the gift cards towards airfare or taxes on award flights. I wouldn't put to much confidence in what the Points guy says. He seems wrong most of the time.

Re: People with CSR. Will you be keeping the card ?

wasCB14 — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 01:48:39 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@UpperNwGuy wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
100% agreed. In fact, the only reason I keep my platinum vs getting a CSR is for the superior lounge network. One correction, you can use the platinum credit for flights, but you have to designate the airline.
Whether or not you can use the Platinum travel credit for flights has been the subject of some recent discussion here on myFico. The Platinum card's terms and conditions say you cannot, but a few members have said that they got the credit for an airfare purchase. The Points Guy wrote a whole blog entry on this two months ago, and he thinks the credit does not include flights. And knowing him, he talked to Amex back-channel before publishing his blog entry.
You can use the credit to get airline gift cards and then use the gift cards towards airfare or taxes on award flights. I wouldn't put to much confidence in what the Points guy says. He seems wrong most of the time.

There are some airline-specific nuances to this, particularly involving the eligible purchase methods and denominations to get the credit.

Re: People with CSR. Will you be keeping the card ?

wasCB14 — Sun, 03 Sep 2017 02:00:15 GMT

@UpperNwGuy wrote:
@wasCB14 wrote:
I'm not sure what you mean by "narrow range of benefits". If you mean stuff like the lack of travel delay insurance, then that is definitely a weakness to Platinum.
But if you're talking about perks, I'd say Platinum has a great variety of benefits: Lounge access, Uber and airfare extras credits, elite status with major hotel chains, the dining program, and a few other little things. Certainly travel-focused, but what other card comes close?
Narrow range of benefits:

Platinum: 5 points for airfare and hotels. Hotels must be booked through Amex travel portal. Travel credit limited to "airline incidental expenses."

CSR: 3 points for airfare, hotels, cruise ships, railroads, subways, buses, taxis, parking garages, highway tolls, restaurants. No requirement to use travel portal. Travel credit for any travel.

Oh, okay...just a terminology mixup. CSR is definitely the winner when it comes to bonus categories and their broad definitions. I just wouldn't use the term "benefits" to describe bonus categories.