Amex SPG or Ritz Carlton???

[Physh1]

First, I appologize for the long post...I have made really good card decisions that have suited my spending & travel needs perfectly. I want to keep that streak going & not just get a new card to get a new card.

Current Fico 8 as of today is between 770-778 (3 bureaus)...I'm currently gardening as I've been rebuilding...very strongly of late..up over 100 points this year to date...

Income $80k, 6% util, AAoA 9.5 years, 7/24 on EX, no baddies, 100% payments OK...

I'm a multiple property Marriott owner...both cards are Marriott friendly. I'm over 5/24...this is why I'm considering the Ritz card instead of the Marriott card...currently it's not part of the 5/24 rule. I had a CO with Chase over 7 years ago & I know I'm not blacklisted...I applied 6 months ago for the Chase Amazon card & was denied due to a few lines under a year. The CO was discussed & they were satisfied with my answers. I think a future with Chase again is possible if I want it.

I have a RSVP offer for the Amex Platinum that I will be applying for next month before the offer expires...I am pretty sure I'll be approved with my scores & positive Amex history.

I'm leaing towards the SPG because...

- the points are currently more valuable & the AF is waaaaaay lower...

- Amex has been very very good to me...

- I am 99% sure i'll be approved...

- I don't really care for Chase as a big bank...

- 2 approvals on 1 hard pull...Plat & SPG same day...

I'm leaning towards the Ritz because...

- if I got the SPG it would put me at 2 charge cards & 2 credit cards with Amex...

- its possible that Amex would lose the SPG card due to the Marriott merger & I may become a Chase cardholder by default if this thing goes like the Costco deal did...

- I don't want all my eggs in the Amex basket. Currently have the Gold PRG, EDP, & possibly Platinum by the time I apply fo this.

- approval will be tougher but I'm ok trying if it's better for me...

I know both cards will overlap benifits offered by the Amex Platinum but I'm looking to bolster my Marriott options...what is my best direction? I'm really leaning towards the SPG even with the cloudy future. Both will suite me but what will give me the best value?

Thanks & again, sorry for the long post.

[Anonymous]

My vote would be for the Ritz. IMO it's a safer option right now. You made two good points, one being your exposure with Amex and the other being the uncertainty with SPG. I think with the Marriot merger, that speculation is warranted. Sounds like you will get good use out of whichever rout you go. Good luck !!

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

My vote would be for the Ritz. IMO it's a safer option right now. You made two good points, one being your exposure with Amex and the other being the uncertainty with SPG. I think with the Marriot merger, that speculation is warranted. Sounds like you will get good use out of whichever rout you go. Good luck !!

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+1

[Anonymous]

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@Physh1 wrote:

I'm a multiple property Marriott owner...

@humuhumunukunukuapua'a wrote:

OP, can you clarify? Are you referring to timeshares?

[Anonymous]

SPG points are likely to retain their current value for two years following the merger, based upon the information we have been given. Since they are some of the most valiable hotel points out there, you can get quite a bit of mileage out of them in those two years.

You seem to be leaning toward SPG and I'd give that some serious consideration. My husband has this card and it's a good card. We love W hotels and Westins, and even Aloft, and would not think of staying in a Marriott hotel or Residence Inn (no offense to those who prefer doing so).

[Physh1]

Yes, I'm a Marriott timeshare owner...