CC miles to AA

[melbourne rebel]

Whilst I can't seem to find any solutions to my issue, perhaps others here may be able to assist.

I am both QF Plat (LTG) and AA ExPlat. I do what I need to do each year to earn sufficient SC's with QF to retain Plat, and then send my miles to AA for their redemption advantages. AA really is my preferred program post 1200 QF SC's/year.

I will be billing approx. $80-100k/month through my CC for the foreseeable future. I currently concentrate my spend on an Amex Centurion card, and am fast approaching my limit of $500k for 1:1.5 earn capacity and will revert to 1:1 very soon.

My two questions are how to maximise my 1m+ American Express MR points that I have, and going forward which CC will allow me best earning capacity.

I am aware of the difficulties moving AMEx to AA, and don’t like the devaluation by routing them through SPG.

Additionally, given my monthly spend and my excellent history and credit with Amex through Centurion, I would need commitments from any new CC provider that the limits would allow me to continue my spend patterns.

I really think I am stuck with earning 1:1 through Centurion and then dumping into QF program. As a note my points are mainly used for domestic upgrades and annual family trips OS in J/F, subject to availability and my pride at getting nailed by QF.

 

[futaris]

I wouldn't call transferring through SPG devaluing your MR points.

61,000 MR = 20,130 SPG = 25,130 AA
61,000 MR = 61,000 QFF

Now to fly SYD-SIN Oneway:
Economy: 30k QFF, 25k AA
Business: 60k QFF, 35k AA
First: 90k QFF, 45k AA

Do consider Krisflyer for J and F redemptions, if you don't think QANTAS are meeting your needs. Availability can be more of an issue on Oneworld.

 

[samh004]

As a note my points are mainly used for domestic upgrades and annual family trips OS in J/F, subject to availability and my pride at getting nailed by QF.

Where are you based mainly, I guess Australia?

As you probably know, you can only upgrade Qantas flights with Qantas points, so you’ll aways need to transfer some points to Qantas anyway, but I do understand OS trips in J/F are better value with AA.

Unfortunately I can’t help with your transfer issues, as I don’t even have my own CC I have heard of the SPG transfer and how bad it is!

According to this 2007-based thread, the end result at 1.5 points/$ would only be 20% worse than what you can get in the US anyway… as a Centurion member, would it be possible to get a US-based CC through some influence of some sort? Then you’d be set.

 

[NM]

And if you don't need the AA miles right away, keep the Amex points with Amex until they have a bonus promotion that improved the exchange rate. Earlier this year AA was offering a bonus (35% from memory) for points transfers from any hotel program, making the SPG laundering process very attractive. The previous year transfers from Amex to SPG were are 1000:600 which was a great deal.

As far as I am aware, there are only two ways to get points from Aussie cards into AA - via SPG or direct to AA from Diners Club card.

 

[drron]

The best CC for transfer to AA is Diners club.However since their computer upgrade 18 months ago their rewards system is a major pain in the *ss.But you can transfer direct to AA at 2DC points to 1 AA mile or via SPG to get an effective 0.625 miles per DC point.
Disclaimer-because of their inadequate response to complaints I have given up on DC.

 

[paul4471]

If you dont mind me asking what does the Centurion Card cost? and what additional benefits do you get. I am in roughly the same boat as you. I have a Business Platinum at 1:1.5 but only to $250k and a personal to $100k before both fall back to 1:1 if I recall correctly so looking for other options.

I realise the Centurion card is "invite only" but could probably get it if I ask nicely. Just need to decide if I would want it

 

[medhead]

If you dont mind me asking what does the Centurion Card cost?

I've heard $4300 mentioned around here.

 

[melbourne rebel]

I've heard $4300 mentioned around here.

That's the annual 'list' price, but I have always managed to get it discounted.

 

[paul4471]

Good for you but maybe tell us what you actually get for it - or do I need to use the secret handshake??

 

[melbourne rebel]

Good for you but maybe tell us what you actually get for it - or do I need to use the secret handshake??

Plenty of threads that cover the benefits of the various cards offered by American Express, including Centurion.