Citi CashReturns/Amex convert help

[Anonymous]

Hey all, I'm in the market to graduate my old amex student blue to something else and maybe apply for an additional card. I wonder what's the best option for me? I'm thinking about adding the Citi CashReturns and convert my  amex to either blue or blue cash/clear. Is that a good option? What other good cash back cards do you guys recommend? Also, if I get the Citi CashReturns, would it be necessary to have another cash return cards like blue cash or clear or should I get something that offers reward points? Thanks

[Anonymous]

Hi fluffy, welcome to the forums (or is it fora?)!

Different rewards cards all have pros and cons associated with them. Amex Blue Cash gives 5 percent cash back at drug stores and other approved locations after $6500 in annual spending. But another good rewards card, Chase Freedom offers 3 percent back each month on most utilities and other approved locations, and a full 1 percent on all other purchases. Contrast this with Blue Cash, that gives only .5 percent cash back on other purchases until you meet the spending criteria. 

You could convert your Blue to Blue Cash, and then app for a Chase Freedom card and get the best of both worlds. Also, Chase Freedom lets you convert from points to cash back instantly, if you are curious about points also. 

[arjames01]

I'll throw in my 2 cents. I just app'ed for a Chase Freedom in Nov. I got my first statement in December and got $50 in cash back, that I applied to my statement for $50 credit. Woo!

[Anonymous]

Thanks, the Chase Freedom is looking better to me than the Citi one I had in mind now...but which Amex card should I switch to? I definitely want to keep a amex but the blue cash would probably be a little redundent...so is clear a good choice?

[Anonymous]

The Citi Cash Returns card can be nice easy redemption process. Amex at the moment has me wondering if they are tightening their grasp and trying to limit the exposure they have for bad debt. I would say look at the CashReturns card, its Citi and they can be generous with Credit lines.