Replacement for platinum charge card?

[GCC]

Like many others, I won't be keeping my platinum charge card after my March 2013 renewal date, due to the travel insurance changes and points earn changes. I actually had my annual fee reduced in March this year, but with the recent enhancements I don't think I cant justify keeping this card even at $450 per year.

The problem is I'm not sure what I'd replace it with. The main value of the Amex for us was:

• travel insurance - now no coverage for QF award bookings, and the fact that a "trip" must include a flight +some other changes mean this doesn't really fit my family's needs. Until the changes it was perfect.
• 1.5 points earn - devalued. We do spend a reasonable amount on travel, but the real value was earn on shopping petrol utilities insurance etc.
• free flight - still there
• Ascent premium - the ability to store our points and use them for a choice of travel including QFF was a significant benefit. Having said that, we are still pretty loyal QF / OW travelers. Still, I really liked having the ability to transfer to other airlines if that was the best option for a family trip. if I have to choose though, I will take a card with direct earn to QFF

Options?
Seems that people here are fans of Citibank Select. High annual fee, no free flight, and I'm not sure if you can earn QFF points with this card? I have a pretty big mortgage with CBA so assume that I should be able to wrangle a platinum, if not diamond card from them for no annual fee. Finally I have the option of a Diners business card for annual fee of $80 + 77 for rewards. This has 1:1 earn and is the only other rewards program I know of like MR Ascent Premium, with redemption to a range of partners including QF. Obvious merchant acceptance issues, although they introduced a companion Mastercard to counter this, it only earns .5:$1.

I have about 250,000 points parked in Amex MR. Is there any way of transferring these from MR to another program (possibly even the diners rewards) that will me give a choice of redeeming to QFF or other airlines?

I was very happy with my Plat charge, and as far as I can see nothing meets my needs as neatly. I don't want multiple cards. Trying to come with a replacement is really doing my head in, so any thoughts or suggestions would be very welcome.

 

[WA flyer]

Citi Select for non Amex and just received a Westpac Altitude+ for Amex spend for me.
Transfers to Krisflyer workout at 1.33 per $ and effectively 2 per $ with "Price match" when using QFF on the Citi card.
The Altitude points, at 1.5 per $, can be transferred to Krisflyer and Asia miles for Star Alliance and One World.

Probably EDR and Westpac Earth or similar for QFF only!

 

[Moopere]

Transfers to Krisflyer workout at 1.33 per $ and effectively 2 per $ with "Price match" when using QFF on the Citi card.
The Altitude points, at 1.5 per $, can be transferred to Krisflyer and Asia miles for Star Alliance and One World.

I can see the airlines FF program that you can transfer Altitude points to, but I cant see the conversion rates. I think one needs to log in to see the detail. Would you possibly have a table you could post?

 

[k3nnis]

2 Altitude points = 1 mile for DJ,SQ,MH,CX

 

[Newk]

The Qantas Ultimate Amex is just the ticket, but I wonder how long the 1.5 points per dollar will last as the card is already unavailable to new members.
The citi select with 80k sign on bonus was a winner, and yes, points can be used for QFF. I'd consider it even though the sign on bonus is now ??50k. Have a look at the citi points match thread. I have this card linked to QFF and am debating changing to citi rewards. The only thing stopping me is that the points match seems so good that it cannot last
As you said the major banks all have linked Amex and MC/V that can go to 1.5 ppd. You mentioned CBA so have a look in the CBA card thread about a possible use of a clause in T and C to get 3 QFF points per dollar in first 3 months. This would be a great lark if you had some very large payments coming up.
And there is the Citi ??business gold that gets 1.25 points per dollar that can be sent to QFF I think

AND if you like the option of being able to transfer to other airlines look at the Diners/MC combo that gives 3 ppd on the Diners and 1.25 on the MC. When I got this I was assured three times that I would be able to wash through SPG to QFF, but I now think they were not telling it like it really is. I have yet to complain to see the response. But there are other airlines to transfer to.

IMHO one needs multiple cards. Who knows when the best one will be enhanced and you then have to use the next best or equivalent. It is much better to have a replacement in the drawer than to have to apply for another.

The way I look at the fees: these cards are helping me fly in the pointy end of the plane on international flights. The benefits I gain doing this can be in the thousands of dollars. A few hundred here and there on fees is just part of the cost equation. Also as there seems to be a bit of angst around paying tax with some cards (EDRC thread) I have been splitting my tax bills between cards

Good luck with your choice

 

[TonyHancock]

The citi select with 80k sign on bonus was a winner, and yes, points can be used for QFF.

I'm utterly confused by the citi select QFF set up. What is the conversion rate for QFF?

 

[Newk]

I'm utterly confused by the citi select QFF set up. What is the conversion rate for QFF?

if you elect to go in the QFF from the start it's 1:1

If you you go with the citi program you get 2:1 but cannot tf to Q. BUT see the citi points match thread. This looks like a real winner. The downside as said above is that it is soooo good that it must one day be enhanced. And you have to deal with bureaucracy each time.

Generally I have found the citi phone service to be very very good. I recently opened a ??virgin flyer card (for points and very cheap balance transfer), that they administer and it couldn't have been easier

Citibank Select Credit Card - Citibank Australia

 

[Newk]

Citi, continued

but they cannot do web sites for love or money

 

[TonyHancock]

If you you go with the citi program you get 2:1 but cannot tf to Q.

eh? (Sorry I'm a bit dim, but i don't understand. Is it 2 points per dollar?

 

[Newk]

eh? (Sorry I'm a bit dim, but i don't understand. Is it 2 points per dollar?

[TABLE="class: tab-inner, width: 688"]
[TR]
[TD="class: bluebold12"]Choose either the Citibank Rewards Program or Citibank Qantas Rewards Program[SUP]2[/SUP] for your Select Credit Card and receive these benefits below.[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: globe-text12"]Citibank Rewards Program benefits for Select:[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: commonul"]

• 
  [*=left]50,000 bonus Citibank reward points[SUP]1[/SUP] when new cardholders spend on your card
  [*=left]Earn 2 points per $1 spent, plus the benefits of unlimited points with no expiry[SUP]4[/SUP]
  [*=left]Earn 5 points per $1 spent on eligible international purchases including online shopping on international websites[SUP]4[/SUP]
  [*=left]Unlimited airport lounge access for you and a guest with Priority Pass™ membership[SUP]5[/SUP]
  [*=left]A complimentary bottle of wine when you dine at partner restaurants with the Citibank Dining Program and use your card to pay[SUP]6[/SUP]
  [*=left]One complimentary hotel stay[SUP]7[/SUP] per year from a selection of over 50 premium hotels worldwide, booked through Citibank Travel Program
  [*=left]Unlimited complimentary airport transfers[SUP]8[/SUP], when you book your international business or first class flights through the Citibank Travel Program
  [*=left]Extensive travel rewards; access an expanded range of airline and hotel partners[SUP]9[/SUP], or use our online booking service to secure great deals on flights and accommodation and pay with your points - the choice is yours
  [*=left]A $500 Freestyle Collection Gift Card[SUP]10[/SUP] to use when you book your luxury getaway worth over $10,000 with the Citibank Travel Program.

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: globe-text12"]Citibank Qantas Rewards Program benefits for Select:[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="class: commonul"]

• 
  [*=left]50,000 bonus Qantas Frequent Flyer points[SUP]1[/SUP] when new cardholders first spend on your card
  [*=left]Earn 1 Qantas Frequent Flyer point per $1 of eligible spend on purchases, and an extra point per $1 spent on selected Qantas products and services[SUP]2[/SUP]
  [*=left]Redeem your Qantas Frequent Flyer points for Classic Award flights on Qantas, Jetstar and participating partner airlines, or for products, experiences and vouchers from the online Qantas Frequent Flyer Store[SUP]11[/SUP]
  [*=left]Unlimited airport lounge access for you and a guest with Priority Pass™ membership[SUP]5[/SUP]
  [*=left]An annual Citibank Qantas Rewards fee of $49 applies (in addition to the annual card fee of $700).

[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

 

[flycop]

I'm having the same dilemma. I have the Platinum charge as well and the changes mean it has lost its value to me.

I liked Ascent Premium, 1.5 earn and insurance. Also the bonus points with Ascent and the 'sometimes' bonus transfers to FF programs (including status credits!)

I did some sums on my spend and the new earn rates don't work for me.

My points go to VA so looking at Velocity Amex. I don't think there is any option for bonus points?

Citi Select is 1.33 earn for VA/DJ.

Anyone else got some ideas for VA/DJ?

 

[Newk]

eh? (Sorry I'm a bit dim, but i don't understand. Is it 2 points per dollar?

mmmm, I doubt it. My observation is that you are not, so my apologies for not explaining it properly.

I have posted a link far above and cut and pasted just above.

And you will get no disagreement from me that their web sites are awful

The Diners one that I think Citi look after in Australia still has plural's with apostrophe's

 

[TonyHancock]

mmmm, I doubt it. My observation is that you are not, so my apologies for not explaining it properly.

No, seriously, I am that dim, your explanation was spot on! I see now. At the moment I can't see this, other than the 50,000 points sign on bonus, as worth it for me over the Ultimate Card.......but I fear the worst for the Ultimate card. the 50,000 sign on points look tempting!

 

[Newk]

No, seriously, I am that dim, your explanation was spot on! I see now. At the moment I can't see this, other than the 50,000 points sign on bonus, as worth it for me over the Ultimate Card.......but I fear the worst for the Ultimate card. the 50,000 sign on points look tempting!

80,000 was even better. SO got in at my very strong urging just in time. 160k qantas points between us is bonza where i come from

 

[Newk]

I'm having the same dilemma. I have the Platinum charge as well and the changes mean it has lost its value to me.

I liked Ascent Premium, 1.5 earn and insurance. Also the bonus points with Ascent and the 'sometimes' bonus transfers to FF programs (including status credits!)

I did some sums on my spend and the new earn rates don't work for me.

My points go to VA so looking at Velocity Amex. I don't think there is any option for bonus points?

Citi Select is 1.33 earn for VA/DJ.

Anyone else got some ideas for VA/DJ?

American Express Velocity Platinum Card | New from American Express AU

25k sign on points, 3ppd with virgin and 1.5ppd elsewhere

OR, dare I suggest 32k sign on if referred (and referrer gets 15,500 points)

Others on this site are offering referrals, or yours truly is available of course

I must say that Virgin earning cards seem to be that little bit better. The only thing Velocity lacks is ASAs. I have found these to be a game changer. (thanks to skyring for sending me here and all the AFF community for putting me on to these)

 

[Newk]

and here's another for Velocity points. With the combined Diners/MC you get 3ppd on Diners and 1.25 ppd on the mastercard :


BIG note and reminder to myself. To find their transfer partners go to their "online catalogue" section. Pick redeem for travel and pick the 1-5,000 points range. It took me ages to find this, and then I keep forgetting how to do it. I've said it before and I'll say it again. The web site is a dog's breakfast
Velocity Frequent Flyer Transfer - You must be a member of the airline's Reward Program to redeem Diners Club Reward points for points in that airline's program. Membership of the airline's Reward Program is subject to their Rules and Terms and Conditions. Your redemption must be in blocks of 5,000 Diners Club Reward points. Diners Club Reward Points may only be redeemed for the airline's Reward Program points by a Primary Cardholder and credited to their airline Reward Program account. It may take up to 28 days for points to appear in the Primary Cardholder's airline Reward Program account. Points once redeemed cannot be reversed. 1 Diners Club Reward points = 1 Airline point.

 

[rweir]

erm if you want the diners with mastercard, its $389/year.

 

[k3nnis]

Does someone have a list of retailers/grocers/petrol that accept diners with no surcharge?

 

[GCC]

erm if you want the diners with mastercard, its $389/year.

I can get this for $80 fee + $77 rewards program through a professional association.

Does someone have a list of retailers/grocers/petrol that accept diners with no surcharge?

Check the diners club website - there is a "merchant finder" function that lets you search by category / location

 

[DTM1]

If the Citi Select looks a bot expensive, go for the Citi Signature card. Effectively the same benefits at a 1/3 of the annual fee.