CSP vs. AMEX

[Anonymous]

Hi guys! 

New to the forum here and also new to Credit Cards. I am interested in either CSP or AMEX, as I will be doing quite a bit of traveling soon for work. I currently have a EXP score of 740 and a Freedom (1k) and BOA Cash (5.4k). These accounts are still quite new. The Freedom being 6 months old and BOA being 8 months. I pay off my charges in full every month.

Which do you guys think has better travel rewards, is possible for me to get and can help build credit (i'm thinking about AMEX backdating)? 

Thanks! 

[myjourney]

Welcome to the forum 

Which Amex are you looking at?

[E150GT]

It also depends who you travel with. I really wanted an amex PRG, but the chase partners are much better for me, plus I can way out earn the PRG with the freedom/CSP/ink bold combo I got going. 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the tips and the welcome

I was thinking of the PRG or maybe Blue travel? I'm usually take star alliance so it works with both I believe.

I'm leaning towards CSP myself. But I'm doubtful of whether I can get it. Didn't get any pre approval when I went by chase today.

[ztnjpv]

Right off the bat, without knowing anything about what kind of travel you do, I lean toward the CSP. Your Freedom points can then be used on transfers to partner programs along with your CSP points. No foreigtn transaction fees either. Gotta watch the Amex's in that regard...like SPG. 

I find this link from Dr Creditcard useful for understanding the Amex and Chase Travel rewards programs:

http://www.drcreditcard.net/fr-spg-vs-mr-vs-ur.html

[jd352]

Definitely need more info for a solid recommendation. If you often travel out of the country, you would really need to compare Platinum vs CSP. Both have no foreign transaction fees which would be very convenient. Platinum gives you airport lounge access, $200 yearly airline fee credit, Global Entry membership reimbursment. However, it carries a hefty yearly fee. 

CSP is known to have better transfer partners and its yearly fee is much less, but not as many travel "perks". 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the tips and the links so far. I do most of my travel within the US but with a fair number of trips out of the country each year.

I'm not too worried about travel benefits due to airline loyalty programs. And agree that the platinum fees are pretty prohibitive right now.

[j_casteel]

Seeing how you already have the Freedom my vote is for CSP. You can transfer the points to CSP which will make them more valuable. Also, IMO UR points are better than MR points. IME, its also easier to focus earning one type of rewards rather than multilple so you could focus on UR rather than UR and/or MR.

[mongstradamus]

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@j_casteel wrote:

Seeing how you already have the Freedom my vote is for CSP. You can transfer the points to CSP which will make them more valuable. Also, IMO UR points are better than MR points. IME, its also easier to focus earning one type of rewards rather than multilple so you could focus on UR rather than UR and/or MR.

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I would say CSP for few reason first being that you can use your freedom points to transfer to csp UR points, which then can be transferred to hotel and airline partners. Reason #2 is that CSP has no FTF if you want to travel overseas. 

If you are star alliance guy , CSP has UA and singapore airlines that are both star alliance partners. 

[Anonymous]

I think I'm leaning towards CSP as well. Is this too soon to apply though? 

I'm about 6-8 months history with 2 credit cards. EX 740. Income >50k. Current CL 6.4k. Bills paid every month.