Rewards Strategy input

[zeusta20]

Before I ask my question, I just realize I post quite a bit on this damn site...lol. Its quite addicting...anyways...

So, I have a few questions. My main question is:

Does anybody use different CC's for the same rewards, and combine them somehow? I have the CSP, which I think i'm going to start using this card to earn points for travel since I'll have the 40k bonus points. However, I don't want to neglect my Amex either. I have about 16k points racked up with this card, but if I'm going to be using my CSP, then this is just going to go to waste. I was wondering if anyone knows of a way to SOMEHOW strategically use both cards to double up on the travel points.

My other thought is maybe using CSP for travel and amex for cash back maybe? But then again, I don't wanna close out my charge card either. As some of you may know, I was thinking about upgrading to PRG. So if i'm able to find some kind of loop hole or strategic way to use BOTH my amex and CSP for travel TOGETHER instead of earning rewards seperately, then that would be even better.

Another question I have is, IS THERE REALLY A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE GREEN AND THE REG GOLD AMEX CARD?! The AF is higher, but it doesn't seem like there's even a SLIGH difference except for the name and the color.

[zeusta20]

Another thing I forgot to mention...

The reason why I don't wanna get rid of my charge card is because I heard that there are pretty good perks for having a charge card. (to be honest, I really don't see those "perks"). Actually, I somewhat feel kind of disappointed with amex because I feel like the rewards aren't all that great. APPARENTLY, with the charge card, you get free upgrades, etc. And maybe I don't see the benefits because I don't know how the whole "upgrade" things work. Anytime I've used my Green card to pay for flights or hotels, I never get an upgrade to first class or a suite. I don't even know how you'd even go about GETTING an upgrade.

[Anonymous]

Put a rental car on your amex and then have it break down and you will see just how awesome amex really is. Hehe

I'm interested in this thread as well, though I have no clue how to combine rewards...yet

[ryanbush]

There is no way to combine the points, what I do is use my UR points for flights and my MR points for hotels.

I agree with you it's tough to choose which card to use becasue you want to get all your points into one program.

Anything that gets 2x goes on my CSP as well as all of my monthly spend, anything that would only get 1x on my CSP goes on my Amex.

[zeusta20]

I like that idea! Using one for flights and the other for hotels.

I think i'll start doing that...I've been trying to research different hotels and flights hoping that maybe I could transfer points balance from my CSP and AMEX into one hotel or airline...but they're all different.

[ryanbush]

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@zeusta20 wrote:

I like that idea! Using one for flights and the other for hotels.

I think i'll start doing that...I've been trying to research different hotels and flights hoping that maybe I could transfer points balance from my CSP and AMEX into one hotel or airline...but they're all different.

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Yeah it would be awesome if you could transfer from both rewards system into the same partner (ex delta or hyatt).  But I think that is the point of trying to make you choose one.

[CreditScholar]

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@zeusta20 wrote:

Another thing I forgot to mention...

The reason why I don't wanna get rid of my charge card is because I heard that there are pretty good perks for having a charge card. (to be honest, I really don't see those "perks"). Actually, I somewhat feel kind of disappointed with amex because I feel like the rewards aren't all that great. APPARENTLY, with the charge card, you get free upgrades, etc. And maybe I don't see the benefits because I don't know how the whole "upgrade" things work. Anytime I've used my Green card to pay for flights or hotels, I never get an upgrade to first class or a suite. I don't even know how you'd even go about GETTING an upgrade.

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With a green card you're not going to get any kind of upgrade really. The Amex platinum will typically get you a hotel room upgrade only if you book through FHR. There are also some other benefits like hotel credit, late check-out, etc. These are for high-ish end hotels only. If you aren't planning to spend at least $250-300 per night, don't bother.

With regards to airline upgrades, no card will get you that outside of a centurion which grants DL and US platinum. Upgrades are sometimes given to those with elite status, those who upgrade using a paid Y fare plus miles, those who redeem enough miles for a premium cabin, or those who pay outright.

[HiLine]

If you have an SPG and another transferable point reward credit card, you can transfer the points to the same loyalty program.

[zeusta20]

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@CreditScholar wrote:

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@zeusta20 wrote:

Another thing I forgot to mention...

The reason why I don't wanna get rid of my charge card is because I heard that there are pretty good perks for having a charge card. (to be honest, I really don't see those "perks"). Actually, I somewhat feel kind of disappointed with amex because I feel like the rewards aren't all that great. APPARENTLY, with the charge card, you get free upgrades, etc. And maybe I don't see the benefits because I don't know how the whole "upgrade" things work. Anytime I've used my Green card to pay for flights or hotels, I never get an upgrade to first class or a suite. I don't even know how you'd even go about GETTING an upgrade.

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With a green card you're not going to get any kind of upgrade really. The Amex platinum will typically get you a hotel room upgrade only if you book through FHR. There are also some other benefits like hotel credit, late check-out, etc. These are for high-ish end hotels only. If you aren't planning to spend at least $250-300 per night, don't bother.

With regards to airline upgrades, no card will get you that outside of a centurion which grants DL and US platinum. Upgrades are sometimes given to those with elite status, those who upgrade using a paid Y fare plus miles, those who redeem enough miles for a premium cabin, or those who pay outright.

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Great...

Well there goes that idea....So much for that benefit....lol.