rewards cards quick look 2012

[Anonymous]

General question about reward cards - how often (if ever) do they change their rewards structure? For example, the AmEx Blue Cash preferred, will the 6% or 3% cash back reward ever change? I know we are trying to proedict the future, but it is nice to know what to expect? Further, even cards like US Bank Cash+, how long can they keep paying us for simply using their card without reducing rewards?

Bill

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

General question about reward cards - how often (if ever) do they change their rewards structure? For example, the AmEx Blue Cash preferred, will the 6% or 3% cash back reward ever change? I know we are trying to proedict the future, but it is nice to know what to expect? Further, even cards like US Bank Cash+, how long can they keep paying us for simply using their card without reducing rewards?

Bill

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I think you basically answered it. When the product no longer is making them money, it is more than likely going to change!

[Anonymous]

jd,

Nice reply. I guess this only makes sense! Perhaps I should just stick to my minimum rewards platinum cards without having to worry about sockdrawer-ing rewards cards!

Bill

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@Anonymous wrote:

how long can they keep paying us for simply using their card without reducing rewards?

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I think you basically answered it. When the product no longer is making them money, it is more than likely going to change!

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Just so happens there is a related story today.

[Roarmeister]

Ha, I love it.  Don't remember the card itself but you remember the dude selling the card?  Do you like the baby too?

Capital One Cash Rewards, btw.

[Anonymous]

For some reason it really pisses me off that so many credit card websites list the Cap 1 Venture card as a travel rewards card. You don't earn miles or hotel pts/stays, you earn 2% cash that you can later deduct from a travel related charge. If you're trying to book an$800 flight to Europe & you have 50,000 pts on the venture card, you charge the flight on your card & deduct $500. That's not the same thing as as having 50,000 frequent flier miles or 50,000 Amex MR points or 50,000 Chase UR points that can easily be transferred to an airline program & redeemed for a free coach flight. It's more akin to a cash back card with redemption restrictions. 

Also, surprised the Amex Starwood card didn't make the list of best travel cards.