New credit card?

**Mr Sparkle** · 04-01-2008, 11:28 AM

So given I'm going to be single soon, I need to get one for just me.

Suggestions? I NEVER carry a balance, so interest rates aren't my first concern. Who's got the best deals on benefits?

I've (we've) got a chase card that give us airline miles that I really like. But before I just re-up with them I'd figure to see what the collective knows. Any suggestions are welcome.

Thanks in advance.

**Cliff Huckable** · 04-01-2008, 11:38 AM

Amex Black (Centurion) is pretty hassle-free.

**cranked** · 04-01-2008, 11:55 AM

Amex used to be my client...everyone internally at Amex uses the Amex Starwood Card. $30/year, and w/o a doubt the best deal going. Let me know if you need more info.

**fez** · 04-01-2008, 11:58 AM

you will generally get the best deals when they come to you rather than when you go to them. so actually look at some of those pre-approved offers coming in the mail.

**BigDaddy** · 04-01-2008, 12:02 PM

Originally Posted by cranked

Amex used to be my client...everyone internally at Amex uses the Amex Starwood Card. $30/year, and w/o a doubt the best deal going. Let me know if you need more info.

What is the Starwood card? (Sounds like a Casino...) I use the gold card, charge tons for business and get lots of free flights/year. It has the most partner airlines, so I can usually get decent flights.

**Mr Sparkle** · 04-01-2008, 12:12 PM

Originally Posted by fez

you will generally get the best deals when they come to you rather than when you go to them. so actually look at some of those pre-approved offers coming in the mail.

Yeah, except I put my self on the "do not junkmail" list several years ago...

**bagtagley** · 04-01-2008, 12:13 PM

There aren't a whole lot of sign-up incentives right now. Chase is offering $100, after your first purchase...not great, but not bad.

As for points, Chase and Amex Blue are good for cash back. The Costco Amex has good points, but only pays annually. The Citi Platinum Amex is good for points, but has an annual fee.

Chase is nice because, with some plans, you get 3% on your 3 highest purchase categories for the month (though, the above offer is gas/grocery/restaurant), you get cash back, and you get $250 for every $200 you submit, effectively raising your reward percentage. I like my Chase Visa, but I absolutely hate their web interface. I'm spoiled by BOA who itemizes temporary authorizations, and allows you to pay in excess of the balance...but, 1% just doesn't cut it.

http://www.bankaholic.com/credit-cards/

**cranked** · 04-01-2008, 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by BigDaddy

What is the Starwood card? (Sounds like a Casino...) I use the gold card, charge tons for business and get lots of free flights/year. It has the most partner airlines, so I can usually get decent flights.

Starwood hotels (w, westin, st. regis, sheraton, etc.). Automatic status at Starwood (gold level). Triple points when you stay at a starwood hotel, and standard 1pt per dollar for all spending...instead of 25k miles for airline, you need 20k, no blackouts.

I never use pts for airlines, always for pimp hotels. Saved about 10k in Tahiti and another 10k in Europe last summer. I am a loyal customer.

**Toadman** · 04-01-2008, 12:50 PM

Originally Posted by BigDaddy

What is the Starwood card? (Sounds like a Casino...) I use the gold card, charge tons for business and get lots of free flights/year. It has the most partner airlines, so I can usually get decent flights.

I use this card for business. With a hotel stay often more than airfare, it's been a really good deal. Have taken some very nice vacations courtesy of the AmEx Starwood Card. (Whistler, Steamboat, Venice, NYC, SFO, San Diego, Cancun, Hawaii multiple times)

https://www201.americanexpress.com/c...2114742452/0/n

**Nanuq** · 04-01-2008, 01:06 PM

I have had good luck with chase and the Alaska airline benefit card. Like many here, I get generous miles and at least two or three free flights a year. I also keep a capital one card and they have been very good and easy to deal with.

**BigDaddy** · 04-01-2008, 01:33 PM

Originally Posted by cranked

Starwood hotels (w, westin, st. regis, sheraton, etc.). Automatic status at Starwood (gold level). Triple points when you stay at a starwood hotel, and standard 1pt per dollar for all spending...instead of 25k miles for airline, you need 20k, no blackouts.

I never use pts for airlines, always for pimp hotels. Saved about 10k in Tahiti and another 10k in Europe last summer. I am a loyal customer.

Originally Posted by Toadman

I use this card for business. With a hotel stay often more than airfare, it's been a really good deal. Have taken some very nice vacations courtesy of the AmEx Starwood Card. (Whistler, Steamboat, Venice, NYC, SFO, San Diego, Cancun, Hawaii multiple times)

Thanks, I need to look into this... And I thought St. John every year was good...!?