Best Credit Card Deals

I read this article in an email newsletter the other day, and thought it was a great introduction to rewards-type cards like we offer here on the site.

 

Living Rich: First-Class for Less

By Lori Appling

Using credit cards to earn frequent-flier miles is a good way to get discounted or free airline tickets - but some cards are much better than others.

American Express Cards are GOOD ...

Most AmEx cards earn Membership Rewards points, which are transferable into several different programs. For example, you can transfer your AmEx loyalty points into frequent-flier programs in many airlines, including Continental, US Airways, Air Canada, JetBlue, Mexicana, and Virgin Atlantic.

You can also exchange American Express loyalty points for certificates redeemable at other airlines, like Air France, Air Jamaica, Alitalia, Qantas, and Swiss.

Diners Club is BETTER ...

You can use Diners Club anywhere MasterCard is accepted, and transfer points, on a one-to-one basis, to the card's 25 partners (which include Air France, American, British Airways, Delta, El Al, Icelandair, Korean Air, and United).

You also have access to airport lounge clubs worldwide, free companion tickets with British Airways, and an annual 50 percent bonus for transferring points into British Airways miles. You've even got the option to transfer American and United miles into Diners Club points. You do take a 50 percent hit, but it makes sense if you're migrating to British Airways, as the annual 50 percent bonus can make up a good share of the loss.

AmEx Starwood is the BEST

This Preferred Guest credit card lets you earn free nights at Starwood's 850+ hotels and resorts worldwide, including Westin Hotels & Resorts, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Four Points by Sheraton, St. Regis, Luxury Collection, and W Hotels ... as well as many airlines. (See the AmEx website for more info.)

While this card comes with two downsides (there is no corporate card program and it's not good for United Mileage Plus members, as it only gives half credit on that carrier), it has great benefits. For one thing, you can buy 20,000 miles annually at four cents per mile to get you in the game. Best of all, this card has 31 partners (the most of any card) among the top carriers, and the best transfer bonus: You can turn 20,000 points into 25,000 miles with any partner, anytime.

[Ed. Note: Lori Appling is the Director of AWAI's Travel Division. Her latest report, How to Get a First-Class Seat - for Less - on Most Every Flight You Take,is available here.]

[Early to Rise
Copyright ETR, LLC, 2004]

If you'd like to subscribe to Early to Rise or suggest it to a friend,
Please visit: http://www.earlytorise.com/SuccessPartnership.htm