@Anonymous wrote:So I was looking at the Chase Sapphire (non preferred) for the 2x points on dining with no annual fee and the ability to redeem points on travel as well as gift cards. I don't travel very often so it would be nice to be able to cash in my points for gift cards regularly but also have a good travel program available when I need it. I have since learned that Chase is no longer offering the regular Sapphire card however, and I've started looking into the Barclaycard Arrival.
On the surface, its rewards seem equal to the CSP (2x dining and travel) plus there is no annual fee so there obviously must be something about Chase's rewards program that sets it apart from Barclaycard's. I'm wondering exactly what these differences are (better point conversion rate, better travel partners, etc.) that make Chase's program better and also if Barclaycard offers point redemption for gift cards like Chase. Any help is appreciated!
Don't bother with travel cards if your going to cash out for gift cards. Its a total waste. Look at straight cashback cards in that situation.There is an AF for the CSP but it is waived the first year. The AF on the arrival+ is waived the first year as well. With the CSP you can move points into different travel partners and redeem for flights/hotels/etc. With the arrival+ you are paying cash and redeeming as statement credit (and getting 10% back on travel). You should not cash out for giftcards on either of these cards. They are not similiar at all. I have both and they get used for different things. The CSP I will use to redeem for flights and/or hotels and the Arrival+ I use for things I can not get for points (or get for points at a decent rate), a good example would be rental cars or maybe fueld surcharges, taxes on freward flights etc. Again I do not think these cards fit your needs and a straight cash back car will give you a better return.
;