New Daily Driver now that SPG is RIP

mjb59463 · ‎04-22-2018

Hey everyone,
So my SPG has been getting all of my non-cat spend for quite a while and has been a great earner for me, considering how highly I value earning towards Delta and SPG and their transfer rate.

The newly announced changes and devals to the Marriott/SPG program have all but guaranteed that this card loses its place in my wallet, which is a shame.

I’m looking for the new best card to continue prioritizing both Delta and Marriott/SPG rewards through non-cat spend. I’m thinking it needs to come from the Amex portfolio.

Most of my monthly spend comes from restaurants and non-cat spend, which makes this a bit tougher.

Would appreciate any recommendations!

Scores: 790 TU (Barclay), 780 EX (Fico8), 790 EQ

Chase Freedom Unlimited (6k), CSP (20k), Amex Delta Platinum (13.5k), Amex Marriott Bonvoy (16k), Barclay Apple (12.5k), USBank Flexperks Travel Rewards (12k), Wells Fargo Visa Signature (10k), Citi Double Cash (8k), Amex Gold, Amex Platinum, Amex BBP (15k) Marriott Bonvoy Boundless (15k)

Saleen099 · ‎04-22-2018

Physh1 · ‎04-22-2018

Amex EDP has been my DD for a long time for not cat spend. I easily hit 30 transactions a month even now when I'm using my Bar Uber for restaurants (4%) and rent (%5).

K-in-Boston · ‎04-22-2018

Assuming you would not be opening a business account, EDP would probably be your best bet on earning MRs if you do 30+ transactions a month. If you have significant restaurant spend, after taking out the airline credit, I’d see if a PRG makes sense to add just for that purpose for its 2x restaurant category. Also makes sense to watch for Amex Offers on all of the cards.

Anonymous · ‎04-22-2018

Amex BBP is 2X MR on first $50K spend. If you value MRs it's solid, and if you have the Schwab Plat it's worth 2.5% cashback.

Anonymous · ‎04-22-2018

I put my non-category spend on the Blue Business Plus and the Everyday Preferred. Both of those cards offer a great return!

Anonymous · ‎04-22-2018

@Anonymous wrote:
I put my non-category spend on the Blue Business Plus and the Everyday Preferred. Both of those cards offer a great return!

I've thought about that method but that means you need to use your card on gas and groceries 30+ times a month in addition to the spend on the BBP to get the full potential of both cards at at the same time. I'd rather not have that requirement over my head and just take the 2x MR on everything instead.

simplynoir · ‎04-22-2018

I'd imagine Amazon and self-checkout at grocery stores will take care of hitting the transaction threshold every month if you have both cards.

Anonymous · ‎04-22-2018

@simplynoir wrote:
I'd imagine Amazon and self-checkout at grocery stores will take care of hitting the transaction threshold every month if you have both cards.

Again, that goes back to the point of having to go out of my way to reach the 30 transactions a month. I'd rather just live my life and spend naturally.

simplynoir · ‎04-22-2018

@Anonymous wrote:
@simplynoir wrote:
I'd imagine Amazon and self-checkout at grocery stores will take care of hitting the transaction threshold every month if you have both cards.
Again, that goes back to the point of having to go out of my way to reach the 30 transactions a month. I'd rather just live my life and spend naturally.

If you're already spending your time on a computer/laptop/tablet/phone coming to this forum I'm pretty sure you can spare a few minutes reloading your Amazon account with gift cards at the very least. And self-checkout cares not how you pay if it takes several transactions as long as it gets done. But that's just me.