1x points on UR or 2x points on AMEX for gas?
May 14, 2013, 10:58 am
#4
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,727
Yes Ink Plus gives 2X on gas. After meeting min spend on my Business Gold card I've put all gas on the Ink card as you're right I value UR points worth more than MR. Not by much but by a little bit. The one saving grace is that you have MR transfer bonuses so for the partners in common that offer those, you're better off with MR points (for example BA or VS). Other than that the greater number of hotel partners in UR along with UA, WN, and Amtrak being unique push UR out in front. Oh and can't forget the easy floor of 1 cent per point on UR (or 1.25 when used for travel). The floor is way lower with MR points.
May 14, 2013, 1:00 pm
#5
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: DFW
Posts: 686
Don't forget to factor in the 15k bonus on the PRG after 30k in spending. I use the PRG for gas and grocery store purchases until I hit the 30k threshhold, that's 75k MR for $30k in spending. After that I switch to other cards for the rest of the year.
May 27, 2013, 12:56 pm
#8
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: BOS
Programs: Chase Ultimate Rewards
Posts: 624
Buying gas station gift cards at 5x points might sound worthwhile, but it forces you to use one company until you use up the gift card. I buy my gas based on the cheapest price relative to my location (using the GasBuddy iPhone app) and the cheapest stations are rarely the ones that sell gift cards at office supply stores (Mobil, BP, ect.). I'd rather save 2-5 cents per gallon by price shopping and not committing to a brand than earn 3 extra UR points.
May 27, 2013, 1:41 pm
#9
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: San Antonio
Programs: AS MVP
Posts: 2,276
Buying gas station gift cards at 5x points might sound worthwhile, but it forces you to use one company until you use up the gift card. I buy my gas based on the cheapest price relative to my location (using the GasBuddy iPhone app) and the cheapest stations are rarely the ones that sell gift cards at office supply stores (Mobil, BP, ect.). I'd rather save 2-5 cents per gallon by price shopping and not committing to a brand than earn 3 extra UR points.
Here, our grocery stores have gas stations and give $.12/gal off if you pay with their card or gift card, so I use either a gift card from OD at Shell or buy the grocery store GC in store at 6% CB + .12 off with AMEX Blue Cash.