LINK: Chase Sapphire Preferred Visa

A Reader Writes:

Hello MJ! Hope you don’t mind, but I have a question for you. I have two cc’s – one is a very limited travel perks one, the other has travel bennies I hear, but honestly, I care only about the “Notes” I get. I do not like having lots of cards – and let’s be frank, I have no organizational skills/abilities so managing multiple cards is impossible for me. That said, if I were to venture into the third card world, knowing I likely won’t ever get another – which card would be your ultimate? My goal – flexibility/versatility on airlines mileage/upgrades, and hotels nights would be great too I think. I have a MileagePlus Visa and Nordstrom Visa (it’s not the MOD, it’s a regular Visa). Thanks MJ!

MJ on Travel Responds

All things equal, if I could carry only one credit card, it would be the Chase Sapphire Preferred Visa which offers 40,000 ultimate rewards points after spending $3000 in the first 3 months after account opening. 2 points per dollar for travel and dining expenses, 1 point per dollar for all other purchases. Ultimate Rewards transfer to several big frequency programs like United, British Airways, Marriott and more at the rate of 1 for 1. Based on the situation you described, I think it is the perfect card for you.

LINK: Chase Sapphire Preferred Visa

Disclosure: If you apply for and receive a credit card through the links in this post, I will receive a referral bonus.

Take it for what you will. Arrived at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) today aboard a Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt. Headed straight for the train station to purchase our tickets to Rome (14 Euros per person). Kiosk asks for credit card. I insert my Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, and the machine immediately asks for my PIN. Ruh roh. I entered my usual PIN (which I know is only good for cash advances, but figured I had nothing to lose), rejected twice. Cancel transaction, and try again.

This time, I insert my new Marriott Rewards Premier Card which includes “Chip and Signature” technology. Machine immediately processes transaction, and prints 2 train tickets. Mrs MJ’s Chip & Signature Hilton HHonors Reserve Visa worked just fine at an airport cafe today as well. Inserted into a card reader, not swiped. Machine spit out a receipt to be signed. I have to wonder how much longer it will be before Chase introduces chip technology for its Sapphire Preferred card product? One would think that a card marketed to people that travel would already have it.

Disclosure: If you apply for and receive a credit card through any of the links in this post, I will receive a referral bonus. As always, I appreciate your readership whether you use my links or not.