Airline Pilot Central Forums - Best credit card for aircrew?

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Quote:

Originally Posted by ShyGuy (Post 2771266)

But what's that math work out to? Earning points, well it seems like you get 1 pt on the "everything else" category, 3% on travel type. As opposed to some other cards out there like the one that's just 2% cash with no annual fee. So how does it even compare, considering you first have to 'pay' the $150 annual fee remaining before winning over a cash back 2% card?

I plugged in my values, I still don't see how it's worth it over a 1.5-2% cash back with no annual fee:

https://i.postimg.cc/dVW5pCkL/Untitled.png

I did a personal comparison using Excel. Since most of the money I spend while at work constitutes "travel," it makes sense for me to get the chase card. The bonus alone is worth something like $700. Plus, if you get the family of cards, you can get the freedom and freedom unlimited free (1.5x pts and rotating 5x pts), and transfer them to your reserve account where you can redeem at 1.5x for travel. It takes some discipline and something I may do in the future. My wife and I already have a 2% cash back card and a discover card with 5% rotating categories.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burton78 (Post 2771304)

I guess it just depends on what fits for you personally. As many others have mentioned on a another thread on topic, there are multitudes of ways that the card makes up for the measly $150 fee (after the $300 for travel compensation) per year that you feel you may be shorted. I average crediting at least 9000-10000 points per month on points in which the vast majority is accrued at 3x what I paid. Add that up and if you redeem that on other travel expenses, it's an extra 1.5. Not to mention if you use priority pass just 3 times over the course of a year at restaurants with your wife at various airports while you travel, that's another $168 you saved that more than covers the $150 you're so concerned about.

Also, if you just want cash back, guess what? You can do that as well. Check it out on The Points Guy or other similar websites and I think you'll find that the benefits are vast.

So you're spending 3,000+ /month on one credit card, that's your first problem ;)

My wife is active duty military, so we get the Amex Platinum with no annual fee. That made it a no brainer. $15/month in Uber credits ($20 in December). $200 in annual credits on the airline of my choice. Free Global Entry. 5X points on airlines and hotels. Access to lounges and Priority Pass lounges.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Otterbox (Post 2616385)

Outside of my airline lounge pass card, the card I use most is the Fidelity rewards card which gives you 2% into a fidelity account (IRA or brokerage etc.). I use it to help fund my IRA yearly.

^^^^ This guy gets it

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShyGuy (Post 2771420)

So you're spending 3,000+ /month on one credit card, that's your first problem ;)

Meh. Who said it was my only card? Anyway, suit yourself. It's not my job to convince you that what works well for me will work for you. I find value in it and if you don't think it works for you, that's fine. All I'm saying is if you travel a lot, then throw in traveling with family, spend a lot on hotels and restaurants and other travel expenses (especially as a commuter), the 150 you're crowing about is chump change in what you get in return.