SWAG Saturday: Tick-tock – Look at your elite clock! ~$50 Amazon Gift card time!

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swag saturdays delta points blog

With Delta I am all set. I not only have my MQMs and Diamond Status for 2014 but plan to rollover about 100,000 MQMs for my 2015 flying year. All I need to do is make my $25k spend on my Delta AMEX Reserve card (well a combo of my biz and personal that is) and I am all set. From what I have seen it looks like Delta is going to make both our MQM and MQD spending as well as AMEX spending very prominently viewable on our Delta.com home page next year.

My quest for SPG Platinum is nearing its goal. It will be tight as I just don’t stay that many nights a year at hotels. 25 stays is a BIG number for me this year with SPG. I have 19 done and that includes 4 stay credits from my two SPG cards, 5 more are booked and just need to find one more night somewhere before 31DEC (may have to do a mattress run). I look forward to spending 2014 as an SPG Platinum and will see if it is worth it or not to try again for 2015.

But that takes us to today’s SWAG Saturday. Since I need to say it, the rules are HERE and please check them out. Next on to the prize up for grabs. How about the funds from your support of the blog from Amazon shopping!

swag amazon gift delta points blog

For a chance to win the almost $50 e-Gift code, I need some hotel feedback. There are a bunch of great hotel cards. I have almost all of the below:

  • Citi Hilton card (left side under “Travel & Airline” cards)

My question is: Will you be going for a hotel card before the year is over? Or, do you already have all those cards and are going for some other card before 31DEC this year? – René

▲Delta▲ SkyMiles® Credit Card
RESERVE/PLATINUM/GOLD
from American Express®
Click here for more information

 

 

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164 comments

  1. I’ll be going for the Chase Hyatt card so I can get two free nights at any Hyatt hotel.

  2. I have all of these other than the club Carlson…will likely cancel my personal SPG to do a churn next year. Going to work on a citi AA card til year end as I just hit the spend requirement on the hilton and marriott this week.

  3. Have a Chase Hyatt, Chase IHG, Amex Hilton, Amex SPG. I’ll be adding the business version of the SPG this winter for the additional 2 stay, 5 night credit to help qualify for platinum in 2014.

  4. Time to do a AOR for my hubby and get a Club Carlson, SPG Personal and the Amex PRG. These are three that he doesn’t have but I do have. Do you think it will be possible to get both of those AMEX cards at the same time? He has the Amex Plat Delta and the Hilton Amex. Thanks for the input and the chance at the $50 Amazon Gift card.

  5. I will be going after the USBank Carlson card. I heard it has really great perks right at the start, but I have to research a little more.

  8. @Kathy – you can most times get a personal and biz same day (ie go for personal then biz will go pending and must call and tell why you want both). I would not go for two personal amex same day.

  9. I got the IHG card last year and the Marriott, 2 SPG’s and Hyatt cards this year. That is enough for me!

  10. Going to go for the Chase Hyatt card. Heading to Tokyo next year and the 2 free nights in the Park Hyatt sound like a worthwhile reason to own it.

  13. I’ll be going for the Club Carlson before I do another app frenzy beginning of next year. US bank tends not to like a lot of recent apps. Also, I’d go for the business version as it has all the same benefits for a lower annual fee. But if you were considering to keep the card for many yrs to come, then personal card will help towards increasing avg credit length history

  14. When I travel, a hotel room is almost always provided for me, nususally with sine kind of perk from the conventions I go to. Because of that, I need no hotel card but stick to my Delta AmEX

  16. Already have the SPG card; love racking up SPG points via CC spend. Not going for another hotel card this year.

  17. I currently have the Marriott and IHG cards because of the amount of stays I have with these programs, thinking about the Hyatt card or Sheraton card now that I have Diamond status with Hyatt and Gold status with Sheraton. Currently have the Costco and Delta Platinum Amex but also considering the normal Platinum Amex card because of all the benefits.

  18. I will be going for the Chase Marriott card soon – need points for an upcoming stay!

  19. Wool Hoo! I finally won DeltaPoints Saturday Swag. Oh… sorry, still practicing for when I do actually win. And the Swagtastic answer is, I already got my Chase Hyatt Visa card with instant Platinum status a couple months ago. No immediate plans for another card yet.

  22. Might go for the Chase Marriott card but it doesn’t look like I’ll have as much travel next year with stays needed.

  23. I have all of those hotel cards. I will be going for a BOA Alaska Airlines personal in a few weeks. Hope that AMEX has some kind of great promo for a card in the next few months. I’d go for that too!

  25. I may go for the business SPG card before the end of the year. I just realized it’s the only one I don’t have or have had in recent times.

  26. Pretty much set for hotels. Could be persuaded to go for the Chase Hyatt, but I’m full up of Chase cards – had to call and S.M. to get my last one – even with transferring credit. I held off on my fall AOR, and I’m really hoping a 100k AMEX Platinum offer appears between now and Dec 31. Thanks for the giveaway!

  27. I currently have the Club Carlson Visa and IHG card. I will probably get the Marriott card to round out my year … they all come with a free night when you pay the annual fee.

  28. I’m in hotel status limbo. I have Pc Platnum (for what thats worth). If I spend $9000 more on my hilton Am Ex I get gold. That might be nice. I would like to get the SPG card but I have alot of Am Ex cards and I don’t know if I could stay enough times for status. I’m also a sucker for the Marriot stay twice get a free night promos.

  30. I will not be going for a hotel card, I just got an SPG card a month or so ago and have been racking up points since!

  31. Since the company I work for only allows us to use the corporate card, alas I don’t use any hotel cards. Thinking about the Gold Skymiles Amex for personal travel but I like cash back cards and typically rack up $300+ per year in rewards.

  34. Have the SPG and stay loyal to SPG. I think once you turn Platinum you will find yourself not ever wanting to drop down to gold again. Just like with Delta you will see that the more you stay with SPG the more they actually care about you.

  35. Hi DeltaPoints,

    I have AMEX SPG, CHASE IHG and USBank Club Carlson. I love all my three cards and I am considering if I need to switch my AMEX SPG to a Citi Hilton Reserve. The AMEX service is still good, however, I do think the lack of free night(IHG, Hyatt, Marriott), status(IHG, USBank), annual bonus(USBank) makes this card behind other competitors. If you are SPG Platinum, you already can receive at least 3x pts per dollar spent, you can use Chase Sapphire Preferred to book to make 2.17 pts per dollar spent. The diversity is pretty good since you can accumulate Ultimate Rewards Pts also. Just my 2 cents.

  38. I’m thinking about staying at the Conrad Maldives next year, so I’m going to apply for the Hilton card.

  41. I’ve got too many hotel card now. Will probably get Southwest in my next application.

  43. I only have the SPG Personal but will be going for the Barclay Arrive instead of a hotel card as I find I get more out of my spend when I can shop around for a room.

  44. For me, the Chase Hyatt card is the most lucrative one that I do not yet have. I am not yet sure if I will go for it before the end of the year because of my churning schedule.

    Out of the ones that you mentioned, the Club Carlson is the most valuable to me because of the extra night free benefit!

  46. I actually just got my US Bank Carlson Visa in the Mail last week, so excited to put it to use!

  48. It’s not on the list, but I was thinking of getting the Ritz-Carlton card from Chase! I heard that it was heavier than the Chase Sapphire card!

  50. I have the lower marriot card and love it for extra marriott points and I think it gives me credit fire 5c nights every year.

    I am plat on marriot, gold on spg from my amex plat card. Now I am automatically silver on ua since I am plat at marriott

    Gregg

  53. I have the Citi Hilton card and all of my hotel stays are with the Hilton group. I don’t really see much of a difference between Gold and Diamond status for Hilton so Gold is good enough for me. And none of the other hotel cards gives you the perks of the Citi card.

  56. Got the SPG last app cycle, had the SPG Business but swapped to get the personal. Got the Club Carlson Business last app cycle as well. Just got the Marriott last week and have had the Citi Hilton for a year. Use them all except for the Club Carlson and I am saving those points for Europe next summer. I can’t find a card I think I need or want for quite a while.

  57. I think I’ll have one more AOR before the end of the year. Not sure what the mix of cards will be but leaning towards the Citi Hilton as one of them.

  58. None planned. Currently have all on your list except Hilton and am saving it until I identify a specific need (want, really, not a néed).

  59. I have the Citi Hilton and its not bad but I think I am not going to renew it after the first year.

  60. I’m pretty happy with the Chase Marriott that I have now, will probably wait until next year for another.

  61. I have a Priority Club VISA and a Hilton AmEx card. Won’t be going for any more cards before end of year.

  62. You didn’t clarify which Citi Hilton card you’re referring to. If it was the regular Citi card, I have all of them.
    I’m not going for anymore cards this year (or for a bit), since I may be moving next year, and I don’t want the hits on my credit if it comes time to apply for a mortgage.

  63. Considering Hyatt card. Also working to build Hyatt status as I have been a Hilton diamond for 10 years and want both now.

  64. I am not going for any. I would love to, but I am new to this game (with a reluctant spouse) and am taking it slowly.

  66. Probably not before the end of the year. I have the SPG Personal and I love it, and the SPG brand. I am interested in getting a Hilton Card and maybe the Marriott card in the future, but probably not until next year.

  68. My last churn netted me an SPG and Club Carlson, and that’s all the hotel cards I plan on getting for the year.

  70. I’m done for this year, got a Hilton Amex early in the year before they devalued the program. Got a churn brewing for the wife but I’m not seeing alot to go for beyond a US Air MC.

  71. Will be going for the Chase Ink before the year is out. No need for a hotel card until next year maybe.

  72. I have (or had) most those those already. I don’t have marriott and I don’t plan to get that either, especially since not all places have Marriott’s compared to other brands.

  74. I won’t be going for any more new cards this year, but the SPG business card and the club Carlson personal card have a prominent place in my wallet!

  75. I’m thinking I need to get the Club Carlson card, I already have the Chase Marriott Premier, and the Citi Hilton, as well as the Amex Hilton.

  76. I will keep my Citi Hilton into 2014. Even staying in HI in smaller markets where HH hotels are not accessible, I still earn more points for my Hilton vacations.

  77. I may go for the Hyatt or Hilton (possibly both!) for some free nights on a trip next spring.

  82. I currently have the Club Carlson, Marriott, Citi Hilton and Hyatt cards. I am considering the SPG card at some point in 2014 when the current sign up bonus is increased.

  83. I usually travel for pleasure and try to stay at B and B’s….so not big on the hotel life or credit cards.

  85. I’m thinking about getting the chase hyatt card. 2 nights a year at a hyatt would be pretty nice.

  90. I have all of these cards. My next churn will include the biz version of the US Bank Club Carlson card and probably the Barclay’s Arrival MC… the rest are undecided. I am always in need of hotel points but I’ve had most of the cards. Are any if them easily churned?

  91. I’ll probably get the IHG Visa, but likely not before the end of the year (or maybe end of December), because I just got the Delta platinum amex.

  93. No. I just started the credit card game this year, and I don’t stay in hotels enough to take advantage of most hotel cards benefits. Maybe next year if one makes sense.

  94. We have Hilton, Carlson and IHG cards and want a few more hotel cards. I am considering the SPG, Marriott and Fairmont as part of my next churn, which will happen soon. So far, Carlson is my fav due to the free second night.

  95. I’ll apply for whatever cards my wife tells me to! She’s the points maven in our family 😉 ! I’ve heard that it might be SPG….

  97. I will not be going for any more hotel credit cards this year – recently added Fairmont and Hilton

  99. I just got approved for the Marriott Premier card… It came with a free night cat 1-4 and 70,000 points after $1,000 spend in 3 months. I can combine the free night with my 2 Megabonus certs for a 3 night stay and if I like the location, possibly use the points for a longer stay.

  100. i have all of the above. only thing missing is fairmont or ritz, but not sure if i’ll go for either this year.

  101. Not planning on more cards for the immediate future — gotta make some money first! But Citi HH is the next one.

  102. Not going for a hotel card just yet. Just finished amastering airlines cards. Tjanks

  108. No hotel cards for me, but I just upgraded my Hilton HHonors & SPG rewards to Delta points. Don’t forget to register for their promotion — bonus miles PLUS 250 MQM per two night stay — up to 10,000 MQM!

    http://j.mp/1bzMXOt

  109. Have the Hilton card but they did a major devaluation and I’m wondering if I should check out some others. I do like that Hilton has so many different brands to choose from.

  110. I want to get the Hilton card for an upcoming stay – and already have the two SPG cards… That’s all for now.

  111. I’m done with hotel cards for the year, I picked up the citi hilton and chase hyatt to get 4 combined nights towards my honeymoon in Hawaii next year.

  112. I’ll be applying for the Club Carlson credit card as it will give me gold status for as long as I have the card & it will allow me to redeem my stash of CC points at a 50% discount on two night stays!!!

  114. Have both SPG and IHG cards. That’s enough hotel for me. Might try for both Southwest cards and try for companion pass next year. Domestic travel with family planned for next year mostly.

  115. I plan to try and get my spouse a Hyatt Chase card. Two free nights in any Hyatt are hard to beat!

  116. I got the Club Carlson and Hyatt cards. I’m good. I’m loving the Club Carlson card’s amazing point earning potential and last free night, so I will keep it for the long haul. Hyatt will be one year and done.

  119. It seems as if my credit score has returned to a decent number, so I’d like to get the Club Carlson biz (I have the personal), and am trying to decide what others to apply for (on the same day, according to what I’ve learned here).

  120. Have SPG personal… think i will get the Amex hilton no annual fee one… I would get the chase marriot (40k and 100$ which is like 12 free hostel nights!) But i need the freedom and want to get it and the 10k UR points before I get rid of my sapphire.

  124. I have the Club Carlson and Marriott cards but not the others. I probably won’t get any others this year.

  126. I might be going for a hotel card – depends in where I stay for my Europe trip next summer.

  127. I have four hotel credit cards already and will probably go for the club Carlson card before year end.

  130. We both have Marriott cards. They paid for the 4th of July vacation this year. Both have 30K points left over. My husband went for the Chase Saphire Preferred – so we can top off points on hotel accounts or transfer to airlines.
    We’ll go for a Hyatt next year. Depending on the travel plans. it’s sad but I am already plotting vactions 3 years out…

  132. I have the SPG and CC. My next hotel card – after I close a Chase card – will be the Hyatt card.

  133. I got the Citi Hilton card this year. After I got it, Hilton changed the rewards scale devaluing the points that I got as a sign up bonus and the points I earned after signing up. Left a bad taste in my mouth. I’m not getting another credit card this year.

  135. Already have SPG and Hyatt. Sounds silly but I might go for Best Western. I have been treated so well there internationally.

  136. Will be going for the marriott card. Would love to have 2 nights in Niagara Falls overlooking the falls.

  137. I’m looking at the Club Carlson card. I love the second night free benefit; I just need to make sure their properties line up with my travel plans.

  139. Probably not. Just got the Hyatt Visa card as a newly-minted Diamond member and redeemed for two nights in a suite at the Park Hyatt in Istanbul. Already have the Citi Hilton and cancelled the SPG Amex because they wouldn’t waive the annual fee.

  142. I’ll be going for the Chase Hyatt card. It will definitely be an asset to my existing Diamond status. The two free rooms and aggressive point accrual will align my with airline mile earning nicely.

  144. I haven’t taken the plunge to credit card churning, and I don’t have any hotel cards. The only cards I actually use are: Delta AmEx Platinum, for anything Delta and for 25K spend for MQMs; Costco AmEx, for Costco and for 3% discount on gasoline; and CapitalOne VISA with 2% cash rebate, for everything else, including zero-fee int’l.

  145. Nope, I try to focus on my one main card to get as much benefit out of it as possible due to my lower spending

  146. Already have the Delta Reserve but looking at a visa from Wings Credit Union (seems to have a lot of Delta members) Signature Visa with a chip for travel, no fee and gets cash back. Hotel cards feel too focused on one brand/group for me.

  150. I’d like the SPG card but have been holding out for a better signup bonus. No hurry though, as I have enough hotel points to meet my currently foreseeable needs.

  151. I have all but the Club Carlson. Just got the Hyatt card for my husband last week as I used my two free Hyatt nights at the Park Hyatt Sydney in January. Between the two of us we have lots of Hilton cards. Only one with a fee is the Hilton Reserve for the two free weekend nights which I will cancel when due again. Used the free nights in NYC and some points at the Auckland New Zealand Hilton in February before the Hilton devaluation. Recently got the Marriott card with a free category 1-4 night on sign up and 70,000 points after $1000 spend. Most likely will not use the free night. Hyatt card was the best value for my needs at the time and the others seem so easy to get.

  152. I have most all hotel cards but if the 30k spg comes back, I’ll apply for the biz version before the end of the yr.

  153. I currently have the Hilton Citi Card, but I have started to look around at some other cards as well. I am still not sure if I will pull the trigger on any of them or not.

  156. I don’t have a hotel card, but if I did, it would be for Marriott. Awesome sign-up bonus and annual benefits!

  159. No hotel card right now. I’m really liking the Chase Sapphire Preferred, so maybe another card that offers Ultimate Rewards?

    Due for another roundabout early next year.

  161. Roxie and I both went for the Club Carlson with intent of redeeming for a Disney World trip in June for 5 nights and 6 people.

  163. I’m applying for the Club Carlson card. The extra free night when redeeming one night would be awesome!

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