CSP vs Venture?

[Sharingan]

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@kdm31091 wrote:
For how many people really want a forward, it seems theres a comparative lack of people who actually have it. Was it not well advertised? Or just not around for very long?

I vaguely remember recieving a mailer for it a few years ago, but I think it was the 1x on every purchase version and this was before I cared about rewards so I didnt apply.

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The Citi Forward was quite popular on these boards several years ago, and a lot of members did have it then. Of course, people tend to come and go, and the card hasn't been available to new applicants for some time now. The Citi Forward/TY Preferred combo was quite an enviable pair to have at the time. If you are referring to outside the forums, well, I cannot say. I did see a Zync while shopping at Khols recently, so legacy products are still out there. 

[Anonymous]

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@Sharingan wrote:

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@kdm31091 wrote:
For how many people really want a forward, it seems theres a comparative lack of people who actually have it. Was it not well advertised? Or just not around for very long?

I vaguely remember recieving a mailer for it a few years ago, but I think it was the 1x on every purchase version and this was before I cared about rewards so I didnt apply.

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The Citi Forward was quite popular on these boards several years ago, and a lot of members did have it then. Of course, people tend to come and go, and the card hasn't been available to new applicants for some time now. The Citi Forward/TY Preferred combo was quite an enviable pair to have at the time. If you are referring to outside the forums, well, I cannot say. I did see a Zync while shopping at Khols recently, so legacy products are still out there. 

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To add on: ThankYou points used to be worth much less than they are now.  Citi only somewhat recently increased its transfer partners so that now there are better redemption options, thus the increased interest in a card combination comparable to Chase's.  This was also pre-United points devaluation, which meant CSP was getting the vast majority of attention since UR transferred 1:1 there.  As you said you got the 1x on everything, which honestly was good for maybe some college students but that's about it.

As for OP: if you have no interest in redeeming for cash overall, then CSP is the way to go since Venture can only be redeemed for cash equivalent, and only towards travel purchases on top of that.  If you meant specifically no interest in cash redemption for CSP then I would say check your flight/travel plans first and make sure you can't get good value via the UR mall, which will give you a 25% boost on your UR.  No it's not the 2+ cents per pt value you'd get by transferring to certain airlines/hotels, but it's still higher than the straight 1% from Venture.  Agreed with the others though...if you don't have specific travel plans in mind then at least having a general idea of how you travel will help you decide which card to use.  Most points systems are at their best for people who like to travel internationally and in more luxurious accommodations since that's where the best redemption value is; for more budget-minded travel straight cash back often wins due to higher earning potential.

[icyhot]

You're only gonna try for the bonus on one? That sucks, cuz both cards serve their purpose when traveling. Here's how I use mine (I have both)

Travel and dining spend exclusively on CSP. Noncategorized/bill spend on Venture since its 2X on everything 

I use my UR almost exclusively on Hyatt transfers since I stay at a hotel almost every weekend. 5000 points to Hyatt = free night

After I book the hotel with the UR, I put my Venture on file for incidentals. Parking, food, room charges etc and then wipe them out.

How much money did I spend? $0.00! 

I know a $7000 spend on 2 cards may seem daunting, but if you can make it work, you'll return at least $400 from the Venture and the skies the limit with the CSP

[icyhot]

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@Anonymous wrote:

The only other system that uses the same system is Amex's MR points, and those seem to be a little lackluster. 

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Citi TYP also has the same sort of system, although there the Freedom equivalent is no longer available to new applicants.

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Give me yours

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You can have mine, can you work with a $1000 CL? Lol

[Anonymous]

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@icyhot wrote:

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@Anonymous wrote:

The only other system that uses the same system is Amex's MR points, and those seem to be a little lackluster. 

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Citi TYP also has the same sort of system, although there the Freedom equivalent is no longer available to new applicants.

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Give me yours

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You can have mine, can you work with a $1000 CL? Lol

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It's a start and thanks for the offer! 

[Open123]

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@Anonymous wrote:

To add on: ThankYou points used to be worth much less than they are now.  Citi only somewhat recently increased its transfer partners so that now there are better redemption options, thus the increased interest in a card combination comparable to Chase's.  

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Right, I closed my Forward on the premise that Citi would never be able to incorporate transfer partners into their TY program.  I didn't realize it then, but this has turned out to be one of my more stupid decisions and worst predictions.

[Anonymous]

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@Open123 wrote:

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@Anonymous wrote:

To add on: ThankYou points used to be worth much less than they are now.  Citi only somewhat recently increased its transfer partners so that now there are better redemption options, thus the increased interest in a card combination comparable to Chase's.  

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Right, I closed my Forward on the premise that Citi would never be able to incorporate transfer partners into their TY program.  I didn't realize it then, but this has turned out to be one of my more stupid decisions and worst predictions.

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That'll teach you to close no AF cards 

[Anonymous]

Go for chase bonus because that might never come again.

[Open123]

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@Open123 wrote:

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@Anonymous wrote:

To add on: ThankYou points used to be worth much less than they are now.  Citi only somewhat recently increased its transfer partners so that now there are better redemption options, thus the increased interest in a card combination comparable to Chase's.  

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Right, I closed my Forward on the premise that Citi would never be able to incorporate transfer partners into their TY program.  I didn't realize it then, but this has turned out to be one of my more stupid decisions and worst predictions.

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That'll teach you to close no AF cards 

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LOL...this is clearly a case where "inaction" was the most prudent course!

[Anonymous]

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@icyhot wrote:

You're only gonna try for the bonus on one? That sucks, cuz both cards serve their purpose when traveling. Here's how I use mine (I have both)

Travel and dining spend exclusively on CSP. Noncategorized/bill spend on Venture since its 2X on everything 

I use my UR almost exclusively on Hyatt transfers since I stay at a hotel almost every weekend. 5000 points to Hyatt = free night

After I book the hotel with the UR, I put my Venture on file for incidentals. Parking, food, room charges etc and then wipe them out.

How much money did I spend? $0.00! 

I know a $7000 spend on 2 cards may seem daunting, but if you can make it work, you'll return at least $400 from the Venture and the skies the limit with the CSP

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Thank you icyhot! I'm not familiar with travel cards either but have been doing a little research here and there. Your explanation given in this thread has been very helpful. I like that you gave a specific scenario on how you use your cards.

By no means am I saying that they don't exist on the myFICO forum, this is just the first one I've come across. Again, I haven't been consistently researching travel cards. My above statement is not meant to ruffle anyone's feathers. Again, thanks icyhot.