Honestly, there are a litany of cards that could fit you well. The Amex Gold is a solid card, if you can use the credits. I have it paired with the Amex BBP for non-cat spend (2x everything up to 50K). I’ve also considered the Wells Fargo Propel, and given that it’s no AF, I may get the card just to dabble and see if it’s worth using long term. The Chase UR program is probably my favorite long-term. You can change your Freedom to CFU and then get the CSR. The effective AF for that card is $150, but gives you benefits like lounge access and top of the class travel insurance. If those don’t sound useful to you, then I’d say Amex Gold+BBP.
I don’t have the Uber card, or any other Barclays card, for that matter. However, long term, I’d say that Amex, Chase, and even WF, Citi, or C1 are better companies to build up a repertoire with than Barclays. They simply don’t have that many keeper cards that work well with each other.
I don’t have the Uber card, or any other Barclays card, for that matter. However, long term, I’d say that Amex, Chase, and even WF, Citi, or C1 are better companies to build up a repertoire with than Barclays. They simply don’t have that many keeper cards that work well with each other.
[2/2019]
@Anonymous wrote:I don't have the card myself but wondering why no one has mentioned the CitiPremier?
in terms of getting multiple categories in 1 card -
3x gas / travel
2x dining / entertainment
1x regular spend
points are worth more when redeemed for airfare just like Sapphire Preferred, annual fee $95(waived first year) just like Sapphire Preferred
I could see how Sapphire cards would pair well with OP's Freedom card but this card has always intrigued me since it has entertainment in the 2x category and 3x for travel. It's like getting Sapphire Preferred with a dash of the Reserve, at the SP price.
I agree with most of what other members have shared. There's different ways to spin it, especially if you're open to multiple cards. I'll try to just add finer details rather than echo the already solid opinions shared
1. If you have to go with no AF then Uber could be a solid option since it will provide solid bonus spend in MOST of your categories of interest.
2. if you're looking for simplicity then the Sapphire Preferred could be solid with a global dining category, wide reaching travel category, stacking with Freedom, potential to transfer out like Amex Gold, and potential to book at 125% value through Chase portal.
3. if going AMEX route - the question is: the $3-4k annual travel spend - is it done directly with airlines/hotels? if you do not book directly with airlines then you're better off going with Uber, Propel, or Sapphire. The Gold 3x on flights is only on direct flights or through AMEX portal
4. so if your answer is that you book through OTAs then I think you should consider either Barclay's Arrival Plus or Capital One Venture. Both cards have 'travel purchase eraser' redemption structure but get essentially get 2% which is what you were considering with a cash back card.
I say Barclay's since you are already considering Uber, both cards have the '2x miles' for all purchases, the value of the miles is the same as the Propel points (if you don't have WF VS). Arrival has $89 AF waived yr1, an increased 70,000 miles SUB, will get you higher earnings on general spend since everything is 2x, the differentiating factor is the 5% refund of miles upon redemption. ..and then the chip/pin purchase procedure that could be beneficial in Europe. If you spend the $5,000 required for the SUB you would end up with 80,000 miles, and then if you redeemed all 80,000 you would be left with 4,000 miles refunded via 5% redemption feature.
@ The revamped Capital One Venture has a slightly higher SUB at 75,000 miles, same earning structure as Arrival a slightly higher AF at $95 (waived yr1 as well) but since we're talking about OTAs it currently has the Hotels.com 10x miles bonus category. I just was approved for the card so I can only speak based on other reviews but I've read some folks enjoy the stacking of 10x with Hotels.com's own loyalty program(10th night free). Instead of the 5% refund there is TSA/Global Entry reimbursement once every 4 years(length of membership period). But Now they offer miles transfers to something like 12 partners @ 1 : 0.75 and 2 partners @ 1: 0.5 rates.
I brought up the general cards to hit your 2% choice and throw in some additional value potential. If you're looking for simple Barclay's is probably the choice, all spend has 2% cash value towards travel. The 5% refund is apparently automatic and can potentially earn you way more than the $85-100-once-every-4-years value of C1s reimbursement.
If you're looking for maximum value and willing to put some time/effort in finding that value, and especially if you use or are willing to use OTAs then the Venture seems like a clear winnner(I did the research myself and determined I was willing to research the best airline/partner award ticket values).
hope this helps more than the space it took up. finding myself typing way more than I originally intended to....apologies in advance, I can start curbing my enthusiasm if my input is not providing value
I have a premeir and the major issue with it compared to gold and CSP/CSR is the partners aren't as good. I think thats the biggest reason why its not loved as much as the other cards. Also there are only two TYP cards that can transfer and i thikn 3 that can earn . Chase 3 that can transfer and 7 you can earn with. Thats a pretty big difference.
@Anonymous wrote:
@mongstradamus wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:I don't have the card myself but wondering why no one has mentioned the CitiPremier?
in terms of getting multiple categories in 1 card -
3x gas / travel
2x dining / entertainment
1x regular spend
points are worth more when redeemed for airfare just like Sapphire Preferred, annual fee $95(waived first year) just like Sapphire Preferred
I could see how Sapphire cards would pair well with OP's Freedom card but this card has always intrigued me since it has entertainment in the 2x category and 3x for travel. It's like getting Sapphire Preferred with a dash of the Reserve, at the SP price.
I agree with most of what other members have shared. There's different ways to spin it, especially if you're open to multiple cards. I'll try to just add finer details rather than echo the already solid opinions shared
1. If you have to go with no AF then Uber could be a solid option since it will provide solid bonus spend in MOST of your categories of interest.
2. if you're looking for simplicity then the Sapphire Preferred could be solid with a global dining category, wide reaching travel category, stacking with Freedom, potential to transfer out like Amex Gold, and potential to book at 125% value through Chase portal.
3. if going AMEX route - the question is: the $3-4k annual travel spend - is it done directly with airlines/hotels? if you do not book directly with airlines then you're better off going with Uber, Propel, or Sapphire. The Gold 3x on flights is only on direct flights or through AMEX portal
4. so if your answer is that you book through OTAs then I think you should consider either Barclay's Arrival Plus or Capital One Venture. Both cards have 'travel purchase eraser' redemption structure but get essentially get 2% which is what you were considering with a cash back card.
I say Barclay's since you are already considering Uber, both cards have the '2x miles' for all purchases, the value of the miles is the same as the Propel points (if you don't have WF VS). Arrival has $89 AF waived yr1, an increased 70,000 miles SUB, will get you higher earnings on general spend since everything is 2x, the differentiating factor is the 5% refund of miles upon redemption. ..and then the chip/pin purchase procedure that could be beneficial in Europe. If you spend the $5,000 required for the SUB you would end up with 80,000 miles, and then if you redeemed all 80,000 you would be left with 4,000 miles refunded via 5% redemption feature.
@ The revamped Capital One Venture has a slightly higher SUB at 75,000 miles, same earning structure as Arrival a slightly higher AF at $95 (waived yr1 as well) but since we're talking about OTAs it currently has the Hotels.com 10x miles bonus category. I just was approved for the card so I can only speak based on other reviews but I've read some folks enjoy the stacking of 10x with Hotels.com's own loyalty program(10th night free). Instead of the 5% refund there is TSA/Global Entry reimbursement once every 4 years(length of membership period). But Now they offer miles transfers to something like 12 partners @ 1 : 0.75 and 2 partners @ 1: 0.5 rates.
I brought up the general cards to hit your 2% choice and throw in some additional value potential. If you're looking for simple Barclay's is probably the choice, all spend has 2% cash value towards travel. The 5% refund is apparently automatic and can potentially earn you way more than the $85-100-once-every-4-years value of C1s reimbursement.
If you're looking for maximum value and willing to put some time/effort in finding that value, and especially if you use or are willing to use OTAs then the Venture seems like a clear winnner(I did the research myself and determined I was willing to research the best airline/partner award ticket values).
hope this helps more than the space it took up. finding myself typing way more than I originally intended to....apologies in advance, I can start curbing my enthusiasm if my input is not providing value
I have a premeir and the major issue with it compared to gold and CSP/CSR is the partners aren't as good. I think thats the biggest reason why its not loved as much as the other cards. Also there are only two TYP cards that can transfer and i thikn 3 that can earn . Chase 3 that can transfer and 7 you can earn with. Thats a pretty big difference.
How do you utilize the premier? Do you just use it for gas and travel or other purchase as well.
i also have the premier and I use it for Gas/travel while using my Gold for dining/grocery’s and other non category spend (I don’t have BBP and my ED has a BT on it)
It’s actually about to get the axe I have 3x travel with my CIP, or Gold when i book direct thru airline or Amex travel. Gas is an interesting one , I have been buying shell gc with my ink cash at staples . Luckily around here shell is one of the cheaper gas stations. I am probably just going to cash out my TYP to either VS or SQ. I am loooking to use miles for a trip to Far East so vs to ana or sq depending on the availability, For non category spend i am using an FU card, not the best , but not the worst in the world either.
I have the AMEX Gold, signed up with the PRG and then it converted. I have saved a lot with the SUB, the dining credit, the incidental credit which I used for 2 airline gc and also the Amex offers. I have saved $30 just since Sept using Amex offers.
@Anonymous wrote:
@mongstradamus wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@mongstradamus wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:I don't have the card myself but wondering why no one has mentioned the CitiPremier?
in terms of getting multiple categories in 1 card -
3x gas / travel
2x dining / entertainment
1x regular spend
points are worth more when redeemed for airfare just like Sapphire Preferred, annual fee $95(waived first year) just like Sapphire Preferred
I could see how Sapphire cards would pair well with OP's Freedom card but this card has always intrigued me since it has entertainment in the 2x category and 3x for travel. It's like getting Sapphire Preferred with a dash of the Reserve, at the SP price.
I agree with most of what other members have shared. There's different ways to spin it, especially if you're open to multiple cards. I'll try to just add finer details rather than echo the already solid opinions shared
1. If you have to go with no AF then Uber could be a solid option since it will provide solid bonus spend in MOST of your categories of interest.
2. if you're looking for simplicity then the Sapphire Preferred could be solid with a global dining category, wide reaching travel category, stacking with Freedom, potential to transfer out like Amex Gold, and potential to book at 125% value through Chase portal.
3. if going AMEX route - the question is: the $3-4k annual travel spend - is it done directly with airlines/hotels? if you do not book directly with airlines then you're better off going with Uber, Propel, or Sapphire. The Gold 3x on flights is only on direct flights or through AMEX portal
4. so if your answer is that you book through OTAs then I think you should consider either Barclay's Arrival Plus or Capital One Venture. Both cards have 'travel purchase eraser' redemption structure but get essentially get 2% which is what you were considering with a cash back card.
I say Barclay's since you are already considering Uber, both cards have the '2x miles' for all purchases, the value of the miles is the same as the Propel points (if you don't have WF VS). Arrival has $89 AF waived yr1, an increased 70,000 miles SUB, will get you higher earnings on general spend since everything is 2x, the differentiating factor is the 5% refund of miles upon redemption. ..and then the chip/pin purchase procedure that could be beneficial in Europe. If you spend the $5,000 required for the SUB you would end up with 80,000 miles, and then if you redeemed all 80,000 you would be left with 4,000 miles refunded via 5% redemption feature.
@ The revamped Capital One Venture has a slightly higher SUB at 75,000 miles, same earning structure as Arrival a slightly higher AF at $95 (waived yr1 as well) but since we're talking about OTAs it currently has the Hotels.com 10x miles bonus category. I just was approved for the card so I can only speak based on other reviews but I've read some folks enjoy the stacking of 10x with Hotels.com's own loyalty program(10th night free). Instead of the 5% refund there is TSA/Global Entry reimbursement once every 4 years(length of membership period). But Now they offer miles transfers to something like 12 partners @ 1 : 0.75 and 2 partners @ 1: 0.5 rates.
I brought up the general cards to hit your 2% choice and throw in some additional value potential. If you're looking for simple Barclay's is probably the choice, all spend has 2% cash value towards travel. The 5% refund is apparently automatic and can potentially earn you way more than the $85-100-once-every-4-years value of C1s reimbursement.
If you're looking for maximum value and willing to put some time/effort in finding that value, and especially if you use or are willing to use OTAs then the Venture seems like a clear winnner(I did the research myself and determined I was willing to research the best airline/partner award ticket values).
hope this helps more than the space it took up. finding myself typing way more than I originally intended to....apologies in advance, I can start curbing my enthusiasm if my input is not providing value
I have a premeir and the major issue with it compared to gold and CSP/CSR is the partners aren't as good. I think thats the biggest reason why its not loved as much as the other cards. Also there are only two TYP cards that can transfer and i thikn 3 that can earn . Chase 3 that can transfer and 7 you can earn with. Thats a pretty big difference.
How do you utilize the premier? Do you just use it for gas and travel or other purchase as well.
i also have the premier and I use it for Gas/travel while using my Gold for dining/grocery’s and other non category spend (I don’t have BBP and my ED has a BT on it)
It’s actually about to get the axe I have 3x travel with my CIP, or Gold when i book direct thru airline or Amex travel. Gas is an interesting one , I have been buying shell gc with my ink cash at staples . Luckily around here shell is one of the cheaper gas stations. I am probably just going to cash out my TYP to either VS or SQ. I am loooking to use miles for a trip to Far East so vs to ana or sq depending on the availability, For non category spend i am using an FU card, not the best , but not the worst in the world either.
Understandable. I don’t have any 5/24 chase cards so the Premier is the best I have as far as travel goes. I do also have the Gold but I still use Premier for flights since it has trip cancellation insurance while Gold does not. I also use the Premier to book flights/hotels via portal at 1.25c. While not the best value, it’s good enough for me since I have no use for its travel partners. I do use the Gold for restaurants, groceries and non category spend. I don’t have the BBP and my ED has a BT on it. I hate combining purchases with a BT even if they are both 0%. I just don’t think the extra 20% is worth that much of hassle
I’m still weighing my options on whether it’s worth paying 95$ a year for the premier which is a 3.75% travel card for my uses.
For me CIP has some of the same features that my premier has that is why premier is on the chopping block. 3x travel and also has the 1.25 redemption, even though I rarely use it. I rather use redemption for J or F overseas to visit family. I am using my ink cards for BT while i can use my personal FU for actual spending .