Delta Amex or Chase Preferred card?

[Anonymous]

I'm very late to the travel rewards credit card game, but I figured since I love to travel, and since I put everything on a credit card, I might as well maximize my travel perks. I've honed in on these two. I travel with my kid at least one big trip ($3k-$5k) and one smaller trip (ie no flight and <$2k) once per year. I love the Marriott brand but am not loyal to any particular hotel chain, I just pick the best bang for my budget wherever we're traveling. Similar stance with my flights, though I am partial to Delta since I live in Atlanta and they usually offer the best routes, no stops and pricing. I spend $1000-$2000 per month on my credit card, depending on if I have a car or house repair, lawn services, etc. I put everything I can on my credit card.

I currently have a BofA cash back rewards card. I like it but think I can get better travel rewards with either Chase or the Delta Amex.

What are your thoughts? I know travel aficionados looooove the Chase Preferred and Chase Reserve cards. I've read up on the perks of all 3, and I'm leaning towards the Chase Preferred, but would love to hear your feedback if you've ever used or considered any of these cards.

[Anonymous]

Meant to add, this is for the Chase Sapphire Cards

[Anonymous]

The problem with the Delta AMEX is that it can take a ton of Delta miles to redeem and that if an award chart devaluation occurs, the currency you have accrued is worth less.

The problem with Chase is that you can’t transfer to Delta. Though you can transfer to Air France so maybe you could book the same stuff via a partner - not sure and you should look into it. If you are cool not flying Delta, much better card.

What about getting a couple different AMEX cards - like the Gold and one of the Everydays (there’s s free one and one with a fee). You could maximize your return via categories there and still transfer to Delta for awards.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The problem with the Delta AMEX is that it can take a ton of Delta miles to redeem and that if an award chart devaluation occurs, the currency you have accrued is worth less.

The problem with Chase is that you can’t transfer to Delta. Though you can transfer to Air France so maybe you could book the same stuff via a partner - not sure and you should look into it. If you are cool not flying Delta, much better card.

What about getting a couple different AMEX cards - like the Gold and one of the Everydays (there’s s free one and one with a fee). You could maximize your return via categories there and still transfer to Delta for awards.

A person who knowa their points and miles. Nice.

The reason to get the airline cards is for the signup bonus and the perks like free checked bags. Not very good earning at just 1 mile/$1. With the Everyday Preferred (if you make more than 30 purchases/month on the card), you earn 1.5x on most things, 3x on gas, and 4.5x at grocery stores. So for an everyday (sorry!) card, it offers much better rewards. And those are Amex Membership Rewards points which means they are flexible, including transferring to Delta. So maybe you want to grab an Air France ticket to Paris. You have a choice of transferring to Delta or Air France, whichever makes sense for that trip. That's why the flexible points like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards are more valuable than any one airline program. As a primarily Delta flyer I would concentrate on the Amex Membership Rewards program.

[Anonymous]

Have both. The companion ticket is nice and pays for the fee on the Amex. 2x for for miles. Have enough points every year for a free ticket just about anywhere if you shop the miles just right. Worth it.

[Anonymous]

If you like Marriott get the Starwood Amex. Give you access to all the Marriott flagged brands and Starwood brands.