It'll depend on what my rewards strategy is at any given time, but I personally find a use for every single one of those, as well as Altitude Reserve, Delta SkyMiles, and Marriott Rewards on top.
Right now, my focus has been on revenue flights and award hotel stays (since I exceeded 75 nights this year and have no chance of spending $20,000 at Marriott properties to get Ambassador status if I pushed it to 100 nights). For flights, using instant redemption for Altitude Reserve, Chase portal with CSR, and Citi portal with Premier are nearly even in terms of value, with Amex just slightly behind (although I believe it is easier to earn MRs so just because I might not be getting as much value per point if using the portal, the return on spend is likely the same or better). I've not focused at all on earning Marriott points this year because I had so many in my account and did so many revenue nights that I really racked up points, especially combined with offers and elite status. I've only used SkyMiles where the value was going to be 2 cents or higher, when cash prices of fares were higher than I'd like.
For medium- and long-term plans, though, MRs, URs, TYPs, SkyMiles, and Marriott points all work together for me if I want to redeem for SkyTeam flights. MRs, URs, TYPs, and Marriott are all transferable to Virgin Atlantic and Air France/KLM, so even for domestic travel I can get great value that way if needed.
Arguments can certainly be made for picking one over the other depending on the person, their spending, and how they wish to use the rewards. But having multiples can still be beneficial (or moreso if earnings are maximized) as long as you have a system that cohabitates nicely and you're not ending up with orphan points.
@K-in-Boston wrote:It'll depend on what my rewards strategy is at any given time, but I personally find a use for every single one of those, as well as Altitude Reserve, Delta SkyMiles, and Marriott Rewards on top ...
Arguments can certainly be made for picking one over the other depending on the person, their spending, and how they wish to use the rewards. But having multiples can still be beneficial (or moreso if earnings are maximized) as long as you have a system that cohabitates nicely and you're not ending up with orphan points.
I can't imagine balancing so many different points programs and cards but I'm sure my spend is quite different than yours! You must have extremely high business spend monthly, which is not my situation. I'd prefer not to juggle too many different types of cards also, especially those with AFs. For purely personal spend, I use Chase UR points now and still think it's the best system for casual and periodic travelers such as myself. The recent AMEX changes to travel seem to be a wash since it sounds like some benefits are improving but others are diminishing. CITI has never impressed me with their premium travel options and their recent further nerfing of benefits just accentuates that they don't intend to keep up with Chase and AMEX. US Bank's Altitude Reserve is an intriguing offer but I don't know if I could use it enough to justify. But more importantly, you need to be a banking customer and they are not in my region. The 3% on mobile wallet plus the $325 rebated in travel credits are both great values for a premium card, IMO.
@Aim_High wrote:I can't imagine balancing so many different points programs and cards but I'm sure my spend is quite different than yours! You must have extremely high business spend monthly, which is not my situation.
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US Bank's Altitude Reserve is an intriguing offer but I don't know if I could use it enough to justify. But more importantly, you need to be a banking customer and they are not in my region. The 3% on mobile wallet plus the $325 rebated in travel credits are both great values for a premium card, IMO.
I spent about $400 in packing supplies and postage for selling things on eBay in 2018, so over the past 21 months my average business spend has been about $20/month. 
My closest US Bank branch is all the way over in Ohio! You have to be a customer, but any account will do including holding another of their credit cards for a minimum of 5 business days prior to applying.
@K-in-Boston wrote:
@Aim_High wrote:US Bank's Altitude Reserve is an intriguing offer ... But more importantly, you need to be a banking customer and they are not in my region.
You have to be a customer, but any account will do including holding another of their credit cards for a minimum of 5 business days prior to applying.
Interesting, thank you. I have visited their website for cards and in the pull down menus, there is a link for "Credit cards exclusive to U.S. Bank customers" which looks like it covers ALL their cards. But on the AR page (and not the others), there is a blue ball with the message, "Exclusive to U.S. Bank customers.*" So basically you're saying that any of their credit cards (other than AR) and no banking accounts will qualify someone to be approved for the AR? Not sure I would want to add two just to get that one, but it's an option. If anything, it would probably be the Cash+ and the AR, but I have no interest in banking with them just to get a card, especially since they don't have brick-and-mortar near me.
Correct. Cash+ was the gateway for most if not all of us around here into the AR. If you click on the page for the card itself and scroll down under the reviews, the first of the fine print:
*The U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card is offered to U.S. Bank customers who have an eligible U.S. Bank account relationship open and active a minimum of 5 business days prior to submitting an application. An eligible U.S. Bank account relationship is defined as: Checking or Savings account, Certificate of Deposit, Mortgage, Home Equity Loan, Home Equity Line of Credit, Auto/Boat/RV Loan, Personal and Small Business Loans and Lines, Commercial Loan & Lease, Premier Lines, Private Banking account or U.S. Bank credit card. If you have questions regarding eligibility status, please speak with your banker.
