Randy Petersen
When I started out the search for a suitable guest for this session, little did I realize that I'd end up with the gold medal of all topics. The use of credit cards is easily the #2 way to earn miles and points and it might not be too long before it becomes #1. Tonight we have arguably the three most popular and powerful credit cards companies and programs in the business today. I don't know a single person that doesn't have at least one of these credit cards in the wallet. And yet they are all so different. Citi AAdvantage counts the strength of their offer (including my perfect benefit a*, the special award chart of AAdvantage members) and the size of their membership (rumored to be the largest mileage earning card in the universe), while American Express Membership Rewards pulls from the long line of loyal American Express relationships and products with offers and flexibility for all types of credit card use and then there is Diners, the seemingly perfect "boutique" credit card which with their double point redemptions have found a perfect niche. So, let's welcome our guests and see what they have to say about the business we so love to spend their way.

Randy Petersen
The real challenge for this session was trying to get our guests on through all the banking firewalls they have on their systems. So if a guest falls off tonight, we'll try and get them back on ASAP.

susan sobbott
Thank you, Randy, for letting us be here tonight. We have some terrific programs and we are anxious to talk about them with this distinguished audience.

Lisa Parks
We are also delighted to be here

Randy Petersen
I think I'm the lucky guy. Shall we get right in on a question? Whose got the first one?

susan sobbott
Let 'em rip.

Mikel at WebFlyer
This question was submitted earlier by Doug for Citi AAdvantage: When is Citi AAdvantage going to waive the $50 fee? Unlike Diners Club that more than allows me to recapture my $80 annual fee through LeCard savings, there is no reason for me to pay a fee to Citi -- especially since I can use my Diners Club card for 90% of the $150,000/yr. that I spend on T&E. Now, when I have to use a Visa or MC, I use a free card so there is no reason for me to use Citi AAdvantage. I am a 1K on UA and a Exec Plat on AA. It seems to me that Citi AAdvantage should understand the value of my business (transaction fees, late fees because I travel and forget to pay on time, etc.) and give me a free card.

Lisa Parks
We feel the fee is reasonable for the rewards you earn. For example, our Gold World product allows you to earn up to 60,000 miles for a $50 fee. We also offer reduced mileage awards which gives you a free ticket for 20,000 miles. So for $50 you can earn up to 3 free tickets. That's more than worth the annual fee. And Doug since you are an elite member you have no cap on the amount of miles you can earn

Mikel at WebFlyer
This question was submitted earlier by Brian for American Express: AMEX Canada's membership rewards program has a very limited number of airline participants. There have been additions of charter airlines recently; are efforts being made to add other scheduled carriers such as BA or AA to the program?

susan sobbott
Thanks for the question. In the last year, we've added a lot of choice for our enrolled members... We've formed relationships with charter airlines, including Canada 3000 and Royal in addition to our mainstays of Delta and Continental. Our enrollees can redeem points for travel vouchers for any airline on any route if they redeem points through an Amex travel office and we are always looking for opportunities to add new airline partners to our MR programs around the world to meet your needs. Thanks.

swag
Question for Lisa - Does Citi have any plans for bonus miles, a la Delta's Skymiles Amex "double miles"?

Lisa Parks
Great question. We continually run bonus mile promotions. We communicate these promotions through inserts and other member communications. Through the American partnerships of which there are currently 77our cardmembers can also earn triple and quadruple miles. Thanks

Mikel at WebFlyer
This question was submitted earlier for Diners Club: A lot of us are big fans of Diners Club Rewards and had hoped to see some enhancements with Carte Blanch. Is there any discussion to make Carte Blanch Rewards more attractive than the base Diners Card, for instance that you would earn 3 CR point for every dollar spent. If so, I would bet just about everybody would jump on the Carte Blanch wagon.

Sofia Damianos
We believe that the Diners Club Carte Blanche card is an extraordinary value, we are always looking for ways to improve the value of our product for cardmembers. Thank you for your question

Mikel at WebFlyer
This question was submitted earlier by Cat333 for American Express: Will Amex every allow MR's to be used for AA miles?

susan sobbott
We would be thrilled to have AA in the program. However, for various reasons, we haven't been able to add them to our extensive partner list yet. We currently have 24 airline partners to all major worldwide destinations. Thanks for the question.

Doctor
Will AX ever offer redemption of points on British Air?

susan sobbott
Same answer as with AA. However, for UK residents we do have a BA co-brand card and we are looking for ways to grow our relationship in the future. Thanks for the suggestion.

Mikel at WebFlyer
This question was submitted earlier by datbeach for Citi AAdvantage: Citibank, Did you know that USBank (which runs Northwests credit card) will drop their annual fee but inturn reduce the mileage earned down to $2=1mile. I would prefer to be earning AA miles but I don't want the fee. Will Citibank consider this option...and then let me know what they decide? Thank you.

Lisa Parks
We have done a significant amount of research amongst our customers. They have told us they like to one to one ratio for earning miles and find great value for the fee, We'll continue to talk to our customers and develop products that meet their changing needs. Thanks for the question and suggestion.

Mikel at WebFlyer
This question was submitted earlier by Michael for Diners Club: Why is the Carte Blanc card so limited in benefits, ie only one airline (British) that allows upgrades?

Sofia Damianos
I am glad you asked that question, I want to clarify that the Diners Club Carte Blanche offer with British Airways, is a free companion ticket on any class of service offered at the class of service purchased. For example: if you buy a first class ticket you will get a free first class companion ticket. This benefit is offered for each year of membership.

AMEXMystery
Susan: are there plans to provide a fuller Membership Rewards statement so that cardholders can see, for instance, individual charges and the number of Membership Rewards points earned, including any bonuses due to the nature of the transaction (i.e., travel related charges on ReqrdsPlus Gold earn a bonus point per mile, but there is never a way to tell if this is being properly credited).

susan sobbott
Thanks for the question. In September, we'll start offering an integrated billing statement -- that is, your MR points balance will be included in your monthly card statement. The level of detail you are looking for will not be available in this new statement, but we appreciate the feedback and will consider your suggestion for future enhancements. Thanks!

clbish
For Citi. Will you ever offer on-line bonus miles? I hardly ever look at my paper statement anymore.

Lisa Parks
Great idea. We are already exploring that. Keep your eyes open so you can take advantage of the bonus miles and the convenience of on line statements. We know our customers love doing business on line.

Mikel at WebFlyer
This question was submitted earlier by Bill Seymour for Diners Club: I just want to compliment Diners Club for FOUR Freddies. It IS the best program. Why not do double hotel points with one of the major chains, similar to the fabulous double BA miles. Thank you.

Sofia Damianos
We are proud of our fourth consecutive Freddie award and are continually looking at new opportunities with a wide range of partners including hotels.

ILTE_Miles
Will redemption of AMEX MR points to Northwest WorldPerks miles be a reality any time in the near future?

susan sobbott
That's an interesting one.... In fact, you can travel on Northwest and others through the alliances of our partner airlines. Thanks.

Mikel at WebFlyer
This question was submitted earlier by Redhead for Citi AAdvantage: I have family around the world who are just getting into the whole rewards card / earning miles interest. I have encouraged them to look into the Citi AAdvantage card. What countries do you offer the card in and how can my family apply?

Lisa Parks
Great question Red. The Citi AAdvantage card is available in 18 countries: Argentina, Germany, Brazil and the UK to name a few. I can't list all the telephone numbers here. Simply call your local CItibank office or you can find the info for most countries at our website: www.citibank.com, In the upper right corner is a spot to choose the country you are intersted in. Thanks for your question.

Mikel at WebFlyer
This question was submitted earlier by Alice for Diners Club: Will Diners Club Card Hong Kong Club Rewards ever be exchangeable for AAdvantage miles?

Sofia Damianos
Thank you for the question, the Diners Club Rewards programs are tailored to fit the needs of each market. Please contact your local Diners Club customer service for more information on the products that they offer. For contact information for these markets please visit our international Web site at www.dinersclub.com.

TexasMiles
Question for CITI - Where does CITI offer the Companion Certificate for International Trips? I can't seem to find these anywhere

Lisa Parks
At this point in time we are exploring the idea. We predominantly offer companion certificates for use in the continental US and the carribbean. SInce our cardmembers find these so valuable, we are enthusiastic about the possibilty of offering International companion certificates. Hope that answers your question.

Mikel at WebFlyer
This question was submitted earlier by ILUVCITIBANK for American Express: Why has AMEX allowed multiple airlines to leave the MR program without replacing them, and/or has not moved to sign up either of the two world's largest airlines into MR (AA or United) ? Does MEX/MR consider their program diluted and diminished because of this glaring lack of major domestic airline partners?

susan sobbott
We've doubled the number of airline partners in the last several years, leading to 24 in total. Sometimes industry dynamics result in airlines disappearing as they merge, as in the case of TWA -- the only recent airline to leave MR.. Our current carriers provide service to all major destinations. Delta and Continental, US Airways and Southwest, among others, are terrific carriers for us today. And by the way, we have 1800 partners across categories in our programs around the world. And as I referenced earlier, we would love for new carriers to join the MR family of partners and we will continue to look for opportunities to broaden the program. Thanks.

Mikel at WebFlyer
This question was submitted earlier by chicogramps for Diners Club: Diners Club: Will you be offering any bonus points for the Hilton HHonors program this year??

Sofia Damianos
As previously stated, we are continually looking for new opportunities and that includes hotels. We look forward to a very promising and exciting new year with many new promotions.

Randy Petersen
Boy, lots of interest in credit cards. I've got a question for the panel tonight - one that I'm often asked by others. Why do not credit card companies offer an 'Elite' program for their higher mileage earners (spenders)? I realize you can buy up your benefits Platinum vs. Gold), but you can't seem to spend up your benefits. Will this ever be a reality? Thanks. Who wants to answer this one from the panel?? maybe all of you?

susan sobbott
We'll take a shot.... We are always developing new products that meet the needs of our customers and we will take this idea under consideration -- it's a good one. By the way, our MR customers have the privelege of no earnings caps and their points don't expire. As you know, we have different cards that serve high spenders like the platinum and centurion cards and different levels of the MR program that certainly can be called "elite". For example, the Membership Rewards Plus program caters to frequent travelers with more travel redemption opportunities. Call MR customer service to learn more.

Randy Petersen
I know, I'm a Platinum with MR and have never complained....but i know that we all long for some sort of extra status we earn not have to pay for. I like the tip.

susan sobbott
We hear you, Randy. Of course, the benefits and value you receive exceed the price. But we'll think further about your suggestion.

Randy Petersen
Now, will you ever adapt the MR 'Classic' and 'Exclusive' programs that MR has in the UK over here? Or are we talking the same thing?

susan sobbott
You got me, here. We are in 31 countries, and I don't have the details on each. I'll get back to you.

Sofia Damianos
Thanks for the question. Diners Clubs invests in our excellent customer service, flexibility and an incredible value with a multitude of partners worldwide. Diners Club is the only charge card that allowed two billing cycles to pay and Personalized Rewards which allows a card member with 100,000 points or more to spend their points virtually any way they choose. Our cardmembers have indicated that these are values they appreciate. We will continue to take this idea into consideration.

Lisa Parks
Very good question. We are constantly working on new products to meet all prospective cardmembers needs. For example, we introduced the CIti AAdvantage Business Card which is a huge succes today...

Mikel at WebFlyer
This question was submitted earlier by Benjamin K. for Citi AAdvantage: Are there any plans in the near future for a Citibank AAdvantage card to be offered to college students, like United's FirstUSA CollegePlus card?

Lisa Parks
College students can apply and do apply for the Citi AAdvantage card today.

Mikel at WebFlyer
This question was submitted earlier by D. Kerr for American Express: Two questions for American Express. Is there any prospect of American Airlines or United Airlines becoming partners for Membership Awards point transfer. Now that TWA is no more and US Airways have terminated their relationship with AA, Membership Rewards customers have significantly less choice. Secondly. Starwood Preferred Guest have their own Amex card that earns one starwood point per dollar... yet point transfers from Membership Rewards earn only 333 starwood points per 1000 MR points. Will Membership Awardsalign itself with the starwood branded Amex card and permit 1:1 point transfers. Thanks

susan sobbott
See above for question one... For question two, we have a number of airline and reward products that are tailored to the specific needs of our customers. Starwood, Costco, Delta, Hilton and Blue are just examples of the different products we offer for unique customer needs. Customers can choose the product that best suits their needs. So, the short answer is no. The best source for Starwood points, for a Starwood loyalist is the Starwood card; if you want the most flexibility, choose MR. Thanks!

Randy Petersen
How can time fly so fast. Our guests have now endured our questions for over an hour now. If any of you have to leave, I want to be the first but certainly not the last to thank you for your time. But if any of you have a few more minutes, I know the visitors have many more questions they are interested in asking you about. We can go on for another 20 minutes. Well guests?

susan sobbott
Fine by me.

Lisa Parks
Sure let's keep going

Sofia Damianos
In true Diners Club customer service style we will stay on.

Randy Petersen
These are the best guests.........let's go to the next question...and thanks to the guests again....FlyerTalk t-shirts coming your way.

Mikel at WebFlyer
This question was submitted earlier by Catman for Diners Club: 1 for Sofia: any chances for a miles promotion with United or another airline a-la British Airways, a special limited time one to one exchange.

Sofia Damianos
Currently we have a promotion running with American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, visit us online for details. We keep our dialogue open with our exceptional partners, such as United Airlines as well as others. We are always looking for new partner opportunities.

Mikel at WebFlyer
This question was submitted earlier by Paul for Citi AAdvantage: Why should I sign up for the Citibank American Airlines card versus signing up for some of the other Multi-Airline rewards credit cards?

Lisa Parks
We like this question. The ability to earn miles with the card combined with the multiple ways to earn miles with American and their multitude of partners allows you to earn free travel faster. And how luckly are we to have the greatest partnership with the best airline! And remember some of the other issuers have no grace period for purchases so always make sure to read the fine print on restrictions and earning capabilities. Thanks again

Mikel at WebFlyer
This question was submitted earlier by Adam and is directed to the entire panel: How about a secured credit card that also gives the rewards?

Lisa Parks
Sure, we already offer a secured card. You earn 1 mile for every dollar just as you do on our regular Citi AAdvantage card. Just call 1-800-FLY 4444. Thanks

Sofia Damianos
Our focus has been the frequent traveler, our card offers no credit limit. While we welcome everyone, our market does not require a secured card.

susan sobbott
We don't have secured cards at this time. Thanks for the question.

Mikel at WebFlyer
This question was submitted earlier by pointman for American Express: I have just two questions: 1) Are there any plans to credit points on a "real time" basis so that on every statement it clearly shows how many points were earned for THAT STATEMENT'S charges. A breakdown of standard and bonus points would be great. I'm sure MANY cardmembers are hoping for this and other reward credit cards seem to have no problem with this type of setup. 2) Any plans to offer similar "double point" bonuses to MR that the Skymiles cards have.

susan sobbott
I'll take the second question first.... The Delta Skymiles card is a terrific value, isn't it. It's the only airline card to offer double points everyday. We have consistently offered double points and even triple points promotions for our customers in MR in various categories and we will continue to offer bonus points on a promotional basis. Now, back to the first question... This is a great suggestion. The most up-to-date information on your MR balance is available through our website at americanexpress.com... You can check your balance or redeem your points there, and we will enhance the service we provide over time. Thanks!

KCMiles
For Lisa: I am a happy Citibank AAdvantage customer. I noticed that some people have their AAdvantage FF # on their credit card ... very cool, and useful when I stay at a Hilton and want to get the miles with my Hilton points. How can I get that on my card?

Lisa Parks
Just call our customer service department and ask for our Gold or Platinum World MasterCard... We have found our cardmembers love the frequent flyer number on the card. They never miss a mile. This allows them to take advantage of earning miles with all the AAdvantage partners..

Mikel at WebFlyer
This question was submitted earlier by Ditas and is directed to the entire panel: Do you have a credit card with NO annual or any membership fee, but rewards mileage for every dollar you spend on purchases?

Sofia Damianos
We offer the ability to pay for your fee with your Club Rewards point.

susan sobbott
Yes, Amex offers a Hilton Honors card and a Delta Skymiles card with no fee. We also offer a Blue card with rewards with no fee.

Lisa Parks
Citibank has several reward products for no annual fee, such as our Driver's Edge where you earn rebates on new and used cars... We also offer a Sony card that offer rewards towards all Sony products. Just visit our website www.citibank.com to learn about all of the products we offer. Thanks

Randy Petersen
Man, as usual I'm worn out just keeping up with all the questions and answers tonight, good thing these will all be in a transcript for others to read and learn from as well. I think we all owe a big round of applause to our special guests tonight. They endured the challenge of logging on through some pretty tough company firewalls, their personal time and some questions they have seen for the first time. What is also cool is that to my knowledge, this is the first time any of them have participated in a live online event regarding affinity credit cards... To them all, we say thanks. And Lisa, while I'm a huge Sony fan, you can't pry my AAdvantage MasterCard from my hands...

Lisa Parks
Randy. Thanks so much., Keep using that card. We love you. Had a great time. It's forums such as this where we learn what our cardmembers really want. I can't wait to get my t-shirt. By the way I am a size small :)

Sofia Damianos
Randy, we really enjoyed it, thank you for your patience with the technical problems we overcame. We would like to thank the guests for participating and for all their ideas as well as our panel counterparts.

Randy Petersen
As we close tonight, I think one of our guests has an interesting thanks to present to the FlyerTalkers online tonight. Susan.... from AmEx

susan sobbott
Before everyone signs off, we wanted to thank our customers for their business and celebrate the 10th anniversary of MR. We would like to offer MR enrolless that participated with us 2500 MR points... And if you are not an MR enrollee, we'll give you 2500 point bonus to join us!

Randy Petersen
That's quite an unexpected surprise American Express and I'm sure the FlyerTalkers will be calling you real quick for that. Dan will announce a way for all fo you to take advantage of the AmEx gift.

susan sobbott
Thanks very much for making MR the largest card rewards program in the world, by your business. Thanks Randy for having us and for administering our special promotion.

Randy Petersen
Our guests did all the work, continued success to all of you and we'd like to see you back some day...