@-Cal- wrote:
For those of you who applied for the DCE, why did you choose it over the DCP? Are you really going to put the 3X categories to use? Or is it for other reasons such as the WEMC, etc.
At a quick glance, seems like the Arrival+ is a better card. What are your thoughts?
I'm still fighting myself against applying for this card...
I chose the DCE for these reasons:
1. 3X categories - I don't have another card that has those categories on a consistent basis but will use Freedom for the 2 quarters when they offer 5X gas. 3X categories can add up to quite a bit on a monthly basis for me and I don't even MS.
2. Transfer to Airlines & Hotels - especially to SPG and Alaska Air to top off miles. Here's a link to a travel blogger who did a great breakdown of Diners and values:
http://thepointsguy.com/2014/10/diners-club-rewards-launches-transferable-points-program/
3. Chip&Pin only card with no FTF - though the DCP also offers that.
I think the DCP would be the better choice for those that:
1. Want an easy approval of a card that will have a decent to generous CL - to pad utilization, to add to CR profile
2. Get lounge access for a somewhat lower fee than other cards - but like PP and Lounge Club, their domestic lounges are extremely limited so should check airport and terminal locations of lounges before getting the card for this reason. I have PP and LC and rarely use it because of the location issues amongst other reasons.
3. Aren't miles/points collectors.
4. Don't want to pay high AF for the reasons above.
I have the Arrival+ as well and have used it for categories that are not covered by my other cards, though now with Diners getting some of those, I won't be charging as much on it. The Arrival+ is a good card if you spend a lot, travel a lot and don't like the hassle of the miles game or use it to cover incidental travel costs (award redemption booking fees or baggage fees, etc.). Plus, they have a great sign up bonus.
If you don't need a Diners card now, then why not wait if you need to garden? It'll give you a chance to pretty up your CR and get maximum CL (if that's what you're after). Who knows, they may offer a sign up bonus or have AF waiver offers if app's slow down. They're just getting things set up and it's still not a fast and easy process since they're still overwhelmed and unprepared so there's a possibility that you may have wait anxiety for days/weeks like some who are eager to find the outcome.
