(Video) Sunday Reader Question: Which Program is Better: Amex or Chase?
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The following Sunday reader question comes from TPG reader Jason:
I'm fairly new to *serious* point collecting and just finished my first app-o-rama. I got lots of great cards from Amex, Chase, & a few other banks. From what I've read on your site, it seems Chase is really giving Amex a run for their money with their fairly new Ultimate Rewards program, especially since United & Southwest are both partners now.
What do you project in terms of the future of these 2 programs? Any new partnerships on the horizon for 1:1 transfers? If you had to choose only one for the rest of your life (just out of curiosity) which one would it be and why?
Great question! In response, I made this video explaining what I think will be the future of each program's transfer promotions, travel partners, and which of these two great programs I'm concentrating my efforts on.
al
In general:
Maximize both programs!
American Express Membership Rewards points are great for airline transfers and bonuses. Weaknesses: Hotel and other partner transfers
Chase Ultimate Rewards are great for airline and hotel transfers, like United and Hyatt 1:1. Weak bonuses.
What's to come? It's anyone's guess, but I don't have any information about future transfer partners. I'd love to see American Airlines get added to either program, but seeing how tight their relationship is with Citi, I don't see that happening. US Airways used to be a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards so I wouldn't be shocked to see that happen, but I don't think new transfer partners are a priority for Chase and Amex. However, I would like to see Amex improve the value proposition of their hotel rewards, since that's a weak spot in that program in my opinion.
Which one would I choose forever? Hard to say because they both have their strong areas. Right now, I do value my Chase Ultimate Rewards points higher because of the United and Hyatt value proposition so I'd probably choose that program if I had to, but I hope I never have to make that decision!
