@cws-21 wrote:
@Anonymalous wrote:Apparently (I haven't tested it myself), calling the number on the back of a MCP or a Cash+ will both get routed to the same call center, so there appears to be some merging of functions. So I wouldn't rely too much on Elan and U.S. Bank not sharing information.
I have a MCP, and the institution I got the card with has never contacted me directly. It could conceivably check off a box in relationship building, but I haven't explored that further.
While they apparently don't geofence any of the MCPs (though some banks hide the link behind a sign in), I got mine with a local bank, just in case I need to talk to a human. I don't know if they have a special number or the ability to push issues up the ladder, but just in case. I used branch locator to find all the small banks and credit unions in my area, and then went to their websites to check if they offered Elan cards. There were a lot more than I expected -- I think I found 5 -- and you might have a similar experience. I picked one that seemed financially stable (despite only recently opening their 3rd branch, they've been around since the 1880s), and had good products (free checking, decent rates, that kind of thing).
Though I debated selecting a card based on appearance. For that, @CreditCobra's list would be essential:
Thank you for the DPs. I know U.S. Bank and Elan share information, but I just don't know how much nor the consequences of that sharing. You could be right that the issuing financial institution might be able to consider there to be a relationship with the Max Cash Preferred cardholder, but I wonder if that works both ways. Regarding the particular MCP issuer, I have gone back and forth, but, like you, I am leaning against choosing a MCP, if I ultimately do apply, based on the aesthetic of the card and, instead, I am leaning towards choosing the issuer that is the absolute closest to me. I was just wondering if there were MCP issuers that have a great checking account, a great savings account, great auto loan rates, great mortgage rates, etc.
We both have MCPs branded by SouthState, and they regularly sends us other Elan credit card pre approvals and also pre approvals through the bank for personal loans, car loans, boat, RV, recreational vehicles with the interest rate listed, which is pretty cool.
IDK if SouthState just does that for everyone, or if the card affiliation has anything to do with the frequent card offers. SouthState bought CenterState, which was what our MCPs were originally branded. CenterState never did that, nor does First National Bank of Texas, which is the brand of DW's 2nd MCP card.
@FormerCollegeDJ wrote:This is overly simplistic, but my recommendation would be to get both cards if you are able to do so. (That's my personal intent; for the last couple of years I planned to get the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa and then get at least one Elan Max Cash Preferred Visa/Mastercard. I'm in the middle of that process, obtaining the USB Cash+ in mid-January 2023 and intending to apply for the Elan Max Cash Preferred as early as early May or as late as late July later this year.) Having four 5% categories is better than having two such categories.
This would not be a bad plan! We have have 3 MCP cards, and will probably for a Cash + at some point.
@JNA1 wrote:
@Aim_High wrote:
- From my understanding, the Elan MCP app or website is completely separate from that lender's deposit account log-in, so you cannot manage the card from the same dashboard. But if you have US Bank deposit accounts, I believe you could also manage the card from a single log-in, which could be more simple.
While technically true that the MCP card has its own app, it is accessible through the issuing bank's app as well. When you click on the link on your bank's app, it directly opens Elan's site with no login needed. In fact, it's slightly quicker to login through SouthState's site than directly through Elan, because the login process on the Elan app is a little laggy, even with Face ID.
DW and I both have a SouthState branded MCP and she has a First National Bank of Texas branded one, and mine is the only one that is tied to our primary bank and it's a little more convenient than the other two.
That's quite helpful, @JNA1. Thank you. Since I don't have the MCP, this may be the first time I've seen a report and screen shots showing how it might appear in the supporting lender's interface for those who also have deposit accounts at that institution. I wonder if this can vary based on the specific lender, though?? Do we have other members with MCP+Deposit Accounts who would like to chime in with their experience?
