Hey, I’m spending a lot of money on tri gear, so I’m looking for a credit card that will allow me to rack up some miles that I can use for international travel, perhaps to a triathlon.
I’ve seen references to a website that provides good apples to apples comparisons on the various products, but struck out on my google search. Anyone know what that site is or otherwise have any good info for me.
AMEX allows you to use the points on just about any airline.
I’ve used a Delta AMEX for the past 6 years and been very happy. You can use accrued miles on Delta or any of the SkyTeam alliance (NWA, Continental, etc). Lots of opportunities for double and sometimes even TRIPLE miles on purchases (whereas many cards only offer you a mile per dollar year round–so it takes a while to get to 25,000 miles). I am considering switching to the Starwood Preferred Guest AMEX, as it’s much more versatile–points can be transferred to miles on almost ANY major airline (most at a 1:1 ratio). Also, points can transfer into hotel stays at SPG properties or even some car rental agencies.
I’m not aware of any other card with such favorable transfer ratios. Sure, lots of cards will allow you to turn points into miles–but very few will let you do so at a 1:1 ratio and on top of that, give you a 5,000 mile BONUS.
As always, read the fine print–some of these cards aren’t as glamorous as they might appear. Good luck!
Hey, I’m spending a lot of money on tri gear, so I’m looking for a credit card that will allow me to rack up some miles that I can use for international travel, perhaps to a triathlon.
I’ve seen references to a website that provides good apples to apples comparisons on the various products, but struck out on my google search. Anyone know what that site is or otherwise have any good info for me.
Frequent flyer miles seem to be worth about $0.01/mile, or a bit more. If you can find a cash back card that pays more than that, it’d be more worthwhile than one that pays 1 mile/$1.00. Not to mention that cash gets you a lot more flexibility in getting seats than do frequent flyer miles.
Not to mention your airline may go BK at any time.
I love my Capital One No Hassle card! You get 2 miles per dollar spent and can use them on any airline w/ no balckout dates, etc.
You can also opt for the cash back option.
Great card- no yearly fee either!
Also look out for card yearly fees, interest rates, and penalties, and when in the billing cycle they start charging interest on charges made that month. Not all cards are as friendly as others, and do try to pay your cards off each month.