topic Re: WF Propel vs Chase AARP? in Credit Cards

WF Propel vs Chase AARP?

Anonymous — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 23:48:33 GMT

Hi folks,

Happy new year!

I'm looking for a new card to replace my uber card for dining spend. I probably spend close to 3k a year on food so could really use the extra dining cash back. I spend around $70 per month on gas and rarely travel/fly. I'm on the fence between the WF Propel and the Chase AARP, but I'm welcome to any other suggestions.

Current cards: Citi DC, [Chase: Freedom, IHG Select, Amazon prime], BoA BBR, Uber Visa, USB Cash+, Discover IT, Cap1 QS

Re: WF Propel vs Chase AARP?

TSlop — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:11:42 GMT

I quickly looked at these 2 cards, and I'd go with the WF Propel. Since both offer essentially the same cash back for you, I'd choose the one with the highest SUB (if you can handle the criteria). The WF Propel is $300 and the Chase AARP is $100. I didn't compare the other benefits that come with each card.

Re: WF Propel vs Chase AARP?

M_Smart007 — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:23:43 GMT

1) Visa is a little more widely accepted

2) Because you have history with Chase possibly a higher starting SL?

3) The Propel is a great card and you may want to diversify outside of Chase?

4) I do not know if you are within 5/24 for Chase approval?

Rewards for what your spend is going to be very close in comparison.

I think it's going to be a preference decision.

maybe someone else will chime in with a little more info.

Re: WF Propel vs Chase AARP?

FinStar — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:24:02 GMT

Another item to consider OP, the AARP Visa appears to be switching banks from Chase to Comenity at some point during 2020...if that matters to you. No definitive timeline or other details are known at this time on whether the same or comparable benefits would be available.

Re: WF Propel vs Chase AARP?

Anonymous — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:57:48 GMT

Propel can be 5% on dining, travel, gas if you fly even just once.

And propel has better "offers" than chase in my experience.

Re: WF Propel vs Chase AARP?

Anonymous — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 01:03:35 GMT

@M_Smart007 wrote:
1) Visa is a little more widely accepted
2) Because you have history with Chase possibly a higher starting SL?
3) The Propel is a great card and you may want to diversify outside of Chase?
4) I do not know if you are within 5/24 for Chase approval?

Rewards for what your spend is going to be very close in comparison.
I think it's going to be a preference decision.

maybe someone else will chime in with a little more info.

Currently 3/24. Propel does appear to have some nice benefits

Re: WF Propel vs Chase AARP?

Anonymous — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 01:05:36 GMT

@FinStar wrote:
Another item to consider OP, the AARP Visa appears to be switching banks from Chase to Comenity at some point during 2020...if that matters to you. No definitive timeline or other details are known at this time on whether the same or comparable benefits would be available.

Hm.. I did not know that. I vaguely remember Comenity having a bad rep so that might be a deal breaker

Re: WF Propel vs Chase AARP?

Anonymous — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 01:06:48 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Propel can be 5% on dining, travel, gas if you fly even just once.

And propel has better "offers" than chase in my experience.

Mind explaining how it could be 5%?

Re: WF Propel vs Chase AARP?

Anonymous — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 02:28:54 GMT

Propel also has cell phone insurance, car rental insurance, 3% on gas, hotels, parking, and tolls if you do some light traveling. Comenity or Chase won't match that.

AND..... as a bonus if you have to call WF customer service regarding rewards, they play some interesting distorted music (audio was recorded way too hot) while you're on hold.

Re: WF Propel vs Chase AARP?

Nomad3 — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 02:56:23 GMT

The Propel is metal. *(Encapsulated in plastic)

The SUB is nice but has high required spend. The 3% is nice and it's year round, no rotating to worry about. Pay your phone bill with it and you get (currently) $600 coverage @ $25 deductible. (I think AT&T's insurance deductible is $275+ for most current phones, not sure about other companies)

They are partnered with Amex so you get what I've been calling "hand-me down rewards" as a bonus. Like, activate a deal, get $5 statement credit when you spend $25 at Boston market (3x points on purchase + $5 credit). They have a lot of deals that seem to change every 2-4 weeks, they seem pretty niche but still nice to have extras.

WF is slow to update available credit after payment, my first payment cleared and it took more than 7 days for available to refresh. (This might only occur on first payment though?)

If you don't already have a WF banking account they could low ball your SL. Chase will likely give a higher SL since you already have history with them (unless you have hit any of their internal limits)

WF gave me the lowest limit the card offers, but I'm thin and had no history with them.

Re: WF Propel vs Chase AARP?

Anonymous — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 03:03:38 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:

AND..... as a bonus if you have to call WF customer service regarding rewards, they play some interesting distorted music (audio was recorded way too hot) while you're on hold.

And this is the sort of information you just won't find on other forums!

Re: WF Propel vs Chase AARP?

Anonymous — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 03:22:34 GMT

If you pair up propel with a Wells Fargo visa signature, the point worth 1.5cent per point when booking flight through Wells travel portal, instead of 1cent.

When you join an airline loyalty program, your booking will also earn airline miles, worth around 7-10% more.

So it's 3x1.5x1.1=4.95%.

If you want to do this right away, you need another person (your family, your friend, or stranger in the street) to get visa signature and pool points with your propel, because you cannot app for 2 Wells cc at once (wait is 5 months if you forgo the welcome offer, or 18months if you don't).