Palladium

[Anonymous]

This is a long shot, but I figured why not ask.

I really would like to get the Chase Palladium card. I'm travling a lot for work and I either can get the Amex Platinum (new card), convert my Citi ThankYou Preferred card to a Citi Prestige Card, or get the Chase Palladium card.

Realistically I feel that the Plat has had some really bad devaluation lately (I'd love to see Amex fix that) - but it's not a bad option because it still has Delta and Hilton which is the airline and hotels I prefer. 

The prestige card wouldn't require me to apply for a new card, I could just convert - but I don't hink the benefits are as good as the platinum or the palladium card.

So that leaves the Palladium card which appears to have most the benefits of the platinum, and the added benefit that I can use it with the UR points I get from CSP/CF already.

Now truth be told, I'm just shy of what I'd need to become a CPC member (not bad for being less than 30 and having kids), but right now I do all my investments with Vanguard and don't really want to move them over to Chase just to get a credit card and pay fee's.

So is it possible to just have a CPC banker put the app through if I suck up to them enough? Or does anyone on Chase read these forums that may be able to hook me up ;-). Or is there any other way to do it that folks know of? Otherwise I'll have to settle for one of the other options. :-(

[Anonymous]

You do need to be a CPC to get the palladium. There used to be other ways, but chase has fixed it.

If you are getting the prestige, why not apply for a new card rather than to convert? You are missing out on the sign-up bonus if you convert, and that bonus will help offset some of the AF. If you have PB relationship with citi, they can sometimes waive the first year AF as well for the prestige, though I am not sure it that offer is still around. From my own experiences the prestige is extremely lackluster compared to the platinum or the ritz Carlton card.

[Anonymous]

That is true, I already have $96K in available credit though accross 5 cards - I don't necessarily want another one unless it's the only way to get it (i.e. like the Palladium or Platinum).

I pretty much do everything at Chase (Checking, Savings, Mortgage, Auto Loan, 2 Credit Cards) except for my investments and three other credit cards I have (Citi, Discover, Amex). So it would have been nice to get the palladium.

I don't know much about the Ritz Carlton card, but it doesn't look like it gets UR unfortunately :-(

[Anonymous]

The ritz Carlton card will get you Marriott / ritz points, which can be used at their properties. So if you don't stay there then the card is useless. But if you don't mind switching hotel groups, the ritz card can help you accumulate points really fast. Marriott points are worth less than 1ccp though, but slightly more than Hilton's.

From my own experiences, I get better service with chase and Amex in general, even when just comparing only between the ritz, platinum and prestige cards.

Citi seems to have more restrictive benefits as well, compared to the other 2. If you do apply or convert, try to get them to waive the first year AF.

[Anonymous]

Speaking of, it looks like you have tons of annual fees. You must spend much more than I do. 

I've had great luck with Chase and American Express, I just really would like to leverge my UR points. I've tried working some relationships at Chase no luck. :-) Is the Ritz Carlton card made out of the same material as the CSP? I love my CSP card I just want some of the extra insurance/perks the Palladium has.

I'd agree my experience with Citi has been lack-luster. I would close that card but I have a 15K limit on it and it's my oldest card.

If I got the Amex Platinum though I'd probably need to get the PRG as well to earn points fast enough to make it worth-while - which is way more cards than I need.

[CreditScholar]

---

@Anonymous wrote:

Speaking of, it looks like you have tons of annual fees. You must spend much more than I do. 

I've had great luck with Chase and American Express, I just really would like to leverge my UR points. I've tried working some relationships at Chase no luck. :-) Is the Ritz Carlton card made out of the same material as the CSP? I love my CSP card I just want some of the extra insurance/perks the Palladium has.

I'd agree my experience with Citi has been lack-luster. I would close that card but I have a 15K limit on it and it's my oldest card.

If I got the Amex Platinum though I'd probably need to get the PRG as well to earn points fast enough to make it worth-while - which is way more cards than I need.

---

What kind of insurance/perks are you after?

The Ritz offers primary CDW and enhanced event ticket protection (for example), but what else are you looking for?

If you don't stay at the Ritz or Marriott that often, you probably won't find much use for the Ritz card.

[Anonymous]

Primary CDW
Hotel Status
Airline Status or Lounge Access
Higher Travel insurance limits
purchase protection/ex warranty

[CreditScholar]

---

@Anonymous wrote:
Primary CDW
Hotel Status
Airline Status or Lounge Access
Higher Travel insurance limits
purchase protection/ex warranty

---

What airlines and hotels do you currently have status with? Also which are you trying for, but don't have yet?

[Anonymous]

HHonors and SPG I have hotel points at right now. More at HHonors.

Unites and delta for airlines more at united

[CreditScholar]

---

@Anonymous wrote:
HHonors and SPG I have hotel points at right now. More at HHonors.

Unites and delta for airlines more at united

---

I meant status as in silver, gold, platinum, diamond, etc?

Were you chasing particular status levels with specific airlines or hotel chains?