topic Re: Amex SPG vs other amex revolvers in Credit Cards

Amex SPG vs other amex revolvers

red259 — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 22:18:01 GMT

How much harder is it to get approved for the Amex SPG card vs one of the blue cards?

Re: Amex SPG vs other amex revolvers

Anonymous — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 22:37:35 GMT

@red259 wrote:
How much harder is it to get approved for the Amex SPG card vs one of the blue cards?

All their revolvers are not too different in underwriting standards, at least in my opinion.

Some cards, such as Delta, are slightly easier to get, but it's not like a 50 point difference compared to other revolvers. Then again, Amex evaluates customers base on their internal risk score and contents of credit report itself, so scores are really just a small piece of the puzzle.

In general though, any co-branded card is usually somewhat easier to get than the non co-branded ones for any bank.

Re: Amex SPG vs other amex revolvers

myjourney — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 23:49:36 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@red259 wrote:
How much harder is it to get approved for the Amex SPG card vs one of the blue cards?
All their revolvers are not too different in underwriting standards, at least in my opinion.

Some cards, such as Delta, are slightly easier to get, but it's not like a 50 point difference compared to other revolvers. Then again, Amex evaluates customers base on their internal risk score and contents of credit report itself, so scores are really just a small piece of the puzzle.

In general though, any co-branded card is usually somewhat easier to get than the non co-branded ones for any bank.

I agree no difference unless co-branded

Re: Amex SPG vs other amex revolvers

red259 — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 00:17:43 GMT

@myjourney wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@red259 wrote:
How much harder is it to get approved for the Amex SPG card vs one of the blue cards?
All their revolvers are not too different in underwriting standards, at least in my opinion.

Some cards, such as Delta, are slightly easier to get, but it's not like a 50 point difference compared to other revolvers. Then again, Amex evaluates customers base on their internal risk score and contents of credit report itself, so scores are really just a small piece of the puzzle.

In general though, any co-branded card is usually somewhat easier to get than the non co-branded ones for any bank.

I agree no difference unless co-branded

Good to know. I'd rather go for the spg than blue card. Blue card is nice but spg rewards would be more useful to me I think.

Re: Amex SPG vs other amex revolvers

myjourney — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 00:20:42 GMT

@red259 wrote:
@myjourney wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@red259 wrote:
How much harder is it to get approved for the Amex SPG card vs one of the blue cards?
All their revolvers are not too different in underwriting standards, at least in my opinion.

Some cards, such as Delta, are slightly easier to get, but it's not like a 50 point difference compared to other revolvers. Then again, Amex evaluates customers base on their internal risk score and contents of credit report itself, so scores are really just a small piece of the puzzle.

In general though, any co-branded card is usually somewhat easier to get than the non co-branded ones for any bank.

I agree no difference unless co-branded
Good to know. I'd rather go for the spg than blue card. Blue card is nice but spg rewards would be more useful to me I think.

SPG is a good card

Re: Amex SPG vs other amex revolvers

Anonymous — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 00:23:19 GMT

@red259 wrote:
Good to know. I'd rather go for the spg than blue card. Blue card is nice but spg rewards would be more useful to me I think.

From what I've seen and read..........SPG points can be quite worthwhile (2.2 to 3.5ccp), if used correctly.

So technically it is equivalent to a 2% cashback card for people who can make good use of Starwood hotels.

SPG points are hard to accumulate, so that's both a good and bad thing.

The only real downside of the SPG card is that there's a FTF, which essentially negates any rewards if the card is to be used overseas.

Re: Amex SPG vs other amex revolvers

red259 — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 02:07:34 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@red259 wrote:
Good to know. I'd rather go for the spg than blue card. Blue card is nice but spg rewards would be more useful to me I think.
From what I've seen and read..........SPG points can be quite worthwhile (2.2 to 3.5ccp), if used correctly.
So technically it is equivalent to a 2% cashback card for people who can make good use of Starwood hotels.

SPG points are hard to accumulate, so that's both a good and bad thing.
The only real downside of the SPG card is that there's a FTF, which essentially negates any rewards if the card is to be used overseas.

I'm more interested in the ability to transfer to their airline partners, which have solid redemption values as well.

Re: Amex SPG vs other amex revolvers

youngandcreditwrthy — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 03:42:42 GMT

Any Amex card is a good one...
And I got a $674 flight with 25,000
Skymiles back in August! 100% worth it imo. And a high redemption rate to boot, although this is reportedly not typical

Re: Amex SPG vs other amex revolvers

red259 — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 06:11:48 GMT

@youngandcreditwrthy wrote:
Any Amex card is a good one...
And I got a $674 flight with 25,000
Skymiles back in August! 100% worth it imo. And a high redemption rate to boot, although this is reportedly not typical

There are a couple of amex cards that I don't think would be very beneficial to me and my overall goals. The delta card for example as I rarely fly delta, also there are a few other cards I am not crazy about. On the fence if I would ever want an amex charge card as it depends on if I would be able to utilize the benefits to justify the AF. Pretty much focused on SPG and maybe a BCP.

Re: Amex SPG vs other amex revolvers

jsickz32 — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 13:22:58 GMT

SPG points are hard to accumulate. I have 21k points and 15k are from the offer i got when i applied.

BCE is also a nice card to have. I have both.

Re: Amex SPG vs other amex revolvers

ezdoesit — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 13:55:03 GMT

@jsickz32 wrote:
SPG points are hard to accumulate. I have 21k points and 15k are from the offer i got when i applied.
BCE is also a nice card to have. I have both.

I also had the PRG and have been thinking about getting a Amex revolver to compliment the card. I having been going back an forth between the SPG or the Mercedes card. I got the PRG because of a targeted offer of 50k. The plus side is the spg has the offer for 25k points but as jscikz32 said they are not as easy to accumulate. Where the PRG gets 2x gas and groceries 3x travel. The Mercedes gets 3x gas 2x restaurants and 5x select Mercedes purchases. Now I don't own a Mercedes but one could get the card to maximize points with categories that most people spend the most on plus both are member rewards. The down side with the SPG also is they are not MR points so unless both the cards have common partners. They don't compliment each other as well.

Re: Amex SPG vs other amex revolvers

red259 — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 16:52:12 GMT

@ezdoesit wrote:
@jsickz32 wrote:
SPG points are hard to accumulate. I have 21k points and 15k are from the offer i got when i applied.
BCE is also a nice card to have. I have both.
I also had the PRG and have been thinking about getting a Amex revolver to compliment the card. I having been going back an forth between the SPG or the Mercedes card. I got the PRG because of a targeted offer of 50k. The plus side is the spg has the offer for 25k points but as jscikz32 said they are not as easy to accumulate. Where the PRG gets 2x gas and groceries 3x travel. The Mercedes gets 3x gas 2x restaurants and 5x select Mercedes purchases. Now I don't own a Mercedes but one could get the card to maximize points with categories that most people spend the most on plus both are member rewards. The down side with the SPG also is they are not MR points so unless both the cards have common partners. They don't compliment each other as well.

How do you the MR points match up against URs? For example if I got the CSP and PRG would I get more value out of using the PRG for travel? I live in NYC so the amount of driving I do (hence the need for gas) is limited to the occassional rental. The bonus spend I would have mostly would be travel & restaurants & groceries.

Re: Amex SPG vs other amex revolvers

ezdoesit — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 22:53:38 GMT

@red259 wrote:
@ezdoesit wrote:
@jsickz32 wrote:
SPG points are hard to accumulate. I have 21k points and 15k are from the offer i got when i applied.
BCE is also a nice card to have. I have both.
I also had the PRG and have been thinking about getting a Amex revolver to compliment the card. I having been going back an forth between the SPG or the Mercedes card. I got the PRG because of a targeted offer of 50k. The plus side is the spg has the offer for 25k points but as jscikz32 said they are not as easy to accumulate. Where the PRG gets 2x gas and groceries 3x travel. The Mercedes gets 3x gas 2x restaurants and 5x select Mercedes purchases. Now I don't own a Mercedes but one could get the card to maximize points with categories that most people spend the most on plus both are member rewards. The down side with the SPG also is they are not MR points so unless both the cards have common partners. They don't compliment each other as well.
How do you the MR points match up against URs? For example if I got the CSP and PRG would I get more value out of using the PRG for travel? I live in NYC so the amount of driving I do (hence the need for gas) is limited to the occassional rental. The bonus spend I would have mostly would be travel & restaurants & groceries.

I think it depends on who you ask and also where you fly and with what airlines. Most people like the UR better but for me where I would be flying to I would use Delta. Also if most of someones spending is in primarily groceries and gas like you then I would find it hard to think that the UR is 2x better than MR points. Both I don't have both to be able to make a direct comparision.

Re: Amex SPG vs other amex revolvers

09Lexie — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 22:57:40 GMT

I have both and I use the PRG for gas ( when Freedom is not running its 5%) and groceries. CSP gets dining and most travel. For me, I like the flexibility of being able to choose Star Alliance or Delta -got that one too. Living by LAX sometimes it's best to price shop airlines.

Re: Amex SPG vs other amex revolvers

SuperKirby — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 23:42:21 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@red259 wrote:
How much harder is it to get approved for the Amex SPG card vs one of the blue cards?
All their revolvers are not too different in underwriting standards, at least in my opinion.

Some cards, such as Delta, are slightly easier to get, but it's not like a 50 point difference compared to other revolvers. Then again, Amex evaluates customers base on their internal risk score and contents of credit report itself, so scores are really just a small piece of the puzzle.

In general though, any co-branded card is usually somewhat easier to get than the non co-branded ones for any bank.

How come? I have no idea...

Re: Amex SPG vs other amex revolvers

SuperKirby — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 23:50:41 GMT

@red259 wrote:
@ezdoesit wrote:
@jsickz32 wrote:
SPG points are hard to accumulate. I have 21k points and 15k are from the offer i got when i applied.
BCE is also a nice card to have. I have both.
I also had the PRG and have been thinking about getting a Amex revolver to compliment the card. I having been going back an forth between the SPG or the Mercedes card. I got the PRG because of a targeted offer of 50k. The plus side is the spg has the offer for 25k points but as jscikz32 said they are not as easy to accumulate. Where the PRG gets 2x gas and groceries 3x travel. The Mercedes gets 3x gas 2x restaurants and 5x select Mercedes purchases. Now I don't own a Mercedes but one could get the card to maximize points with categories that most people spend the most on plus both are member rewards. The down side with the SPG also is they are not MR points so unless both the cards have common partners. They don't compliment each other as well.
How do you the MR points match up against URs? For example if I got the CSP and PRG would I get more value out of using the PRG for travel? I live in NYC so the amount of driving I do (hence the need for gas) is limited to the occassional rental. The bonus spend I would have mostly would be travel & restaurants & groceries.

It's really up to the FT partners you like. I try my best (doesn't always work out) to NOT dilute my points to so many different programs, that way I can redeem faster and more frequently, or save up a lot for a huge (like 10 people) family & friends trip overseas, all on me! Yes, i'm that nice!

I use my United card mostly, transfer a lot of my CSP points to United, and a few to Hyatt when needed. I only use my Amex when the limits for the Chase cards aren't enough (business expenses sometimes get large). I need to get another Chase card so I don't dilute my points to MR so much. IMO, I like UR > SPG > MR out of the Big 3, if I had to rank them.

Re: Amex SPG vs other amex revolvers

ezdoesit — Sat, 28 Sep 2013 00:06:30 GMT

@SuperKirby wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@red259 wrote:
How much harder is it to get approved for the Amex SPG card vs one of the blue cards?
All their revolvers are not too different in underwriting standards, at least in my opinion.

Some cards, such as Delta, are slightly easier to get, but it's not like a 50 point difference compared to other revolvers. Then again, Amex evaluates customers base on their internal risk score and contents of credit report itself, so scores are really just a small piece of the puzzle.

In general though, any co-branded card is usually somewhat easier to get than the non co-branded ones for any bank.

How come? I have no idea...

I read a thread yesterday where somebody wrote that a family member works at Amex and approvals for say a Delta has a 30 points lower requirement when you apply directly on Delta's website.

Re: Amex SPG vs other amex revolvers

red259 — Sat, 28 Sep 2013 00:20:53 GMT

@ezdoesit wrote:
@SuperKirby wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@red259 wrote:
How much harder is it to get approved for the Amex SPG card vs one of the blue cards?
All their revolvers are not too different in underwriting standards, at least in my opinion.

Some cards, such as Delta, are slightly easier to get, but it's not like a 50 point difference compared to other revolvers. Then again, Amex evaluates customers base on their internal risk score and contents of credit report itself, so scores are really just a small piece of the puzzle.

In general though, any co-branded card is usually somewhat easier to get than the non co-branded ones for any bank.

How come? I have no idea...
I read a thread yesterday where somebody wrote that a family member works at Amex and approvals for say a Delta has a 30 points lower requirement when you apply directly on Delta's website.

Hmm. If this is true I wonder if the same type of thing occurs if you apply for united cards on the united web site.

Re: Amex SPG vs other amex revolvers

SuperKirby — Sat, 28 Sep 2013 00:58:33 GMT

Very intersting, i wonder why it is easier...

Re: Amex SPG vs other amex revolvers

ezdoesit — Sat, 28 Sep 2013 01:06:11 GMT

@red259 wrote:
@ezdoesit wrote:
@SuperKirby wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@red259 wrote:
How much harder is it to get approved for the Amex SPG card vs one of the blue cards?
All their revolvers are not too different in underwriting standards, at least in my opinion.

Some cards, such as Delta, are slightly easier to get, but it's not like a 50 point difference compared to other revolvers. Then again, Amex evaluates customers base on their internal risk score and contents of credit report itself, so scores are really just a small piece of the puzzle.

In general though, any co-branded card is usually somewhat easier to get than the non co-branded ones for any bank.

How come? I have no idea...
I read a thread yesterday where somebody wrote that a family member works at Amex and approvals for say a Delta has a 30 points lower requirement when you apply directly on Delta's website.
Hmm. If this is true I wonder if the same type of thing occurs if you apply for united cards on the united web site.

Maybe but the thread only spoke of Amex.