Which Mastercard to Use?

[Michael]

I have two Mastercards, and I would like an opinion, if possible, on which would be a good backup for my AMEX (primary) and BP Visa (first backup). This third card would be in case AMEX is not accepted somewhere and the Visa doesn't work. Slim chance, but I see it happen in restaurants a lot. I should add that as third card, the Mastercard's use would be very limited.

The two cards are Citi ExxonMobil Mastercard and Citi Simplicity Mastercard. ExxonMobil pays 3% on ExxonMobil gas and 1% on all other purchases. Rebates are credited toward your next ExxonMobil statement. There is no waiting for your rebate, as soon as you buy more ExxonMobil gas. There are a lot of their stations around me, so it would not be hard to use this card, even though I buy all kinds of gas with my AMEX Blue.

Citi Simplicity Rewards offers rewards that you have to build up to, like dining certificates (1% maximum rebate, like a $100 rebate for 10,000 points). They are offering me five points for every dollar spent at gas stations and drugstores for the first twelve months, and one point for everything thereafter. I could use this when I am under the $6500 AMEX tier. You have five years to redeem points. The statement credit options are all under 1% (1/2% and slightly higher). With this card, you are not limited to rebates after ExxonMobil gas.

As I've said this card will get used very sparingly.

Sorry for the length.

Which card is a better "sparingly used" third card ???

[Mr Credit Card]

Hi Micheal

Thanks for your wondering questions and post. In my latest newsletter that I sent out, I talked about getting business credit cards for cash rebate as they have no tiers. One suggestion may be to get the Advanta Platinum with Rewards (choose the cash back rewards). You earn 5% on gas and a variety of other business expense like office supplies, utilities etc..

You do not need a business to apply for one. You will be treated as a sole proprietor. I am tending to lean towards recommending business credit cards for cash rebates because they still let you earn 5% without tiers (unlike consumer cards, not no "supermarket" category).

You can check the review here :

http://www.askmrcreditcard.com/advan...threwards.html

good luck with your cash back adventure.

[Michael]

Thanks, Mr. Credit Card.

However, I already have AMEX BLUE, Chase BP, and Discover Gas (these are the three I carry around). I also have the two Citi Mastercards mentioned above. I really do not want to apply for any more cards. I am sick of it.

What I really want is to use the cards which I have cards efficiently.

I currently use AMEX Blue for g***, groceries, and drugstores (5% over $6500 tier and 1.5% on all other over $6500 tier), BP Visa from Chase for restaurants and travel (2%) and as a general backup when AMEX is not accepted, and Discover Gas for all gas (5%) before I hit the $6500 AMEX tier.

What place in the lineup, if any, do ExxonMobil or Citi Simplicity have?

I do use a lot of Mobil gas. I was trying to find some way to use the ExxonMobil Mastercard, even at 3%, because Citi is a prime credit card issuer and I do think that it is a better card than Simplicity, but I don't know how it would fit in with my combo.

Any suggestions, based upon what I have?

Thanks a lot !!


Regards,


Michael