My husband and I are retired. We are trying to get a card to earn miles for air travel — perhaps once or twice a year. We are planning on using it for most purchases — i.e. groceries, monthly bills, etc. to maximize the number of points/miles earned. We’re not too enthused about using the online buying sites offered by the card holders — may do it — but probably won’t use it a lot. We generally have narrowed our choices to Citi Premier Passcard – Elite Level (like the 2 points for every dollar on most purchases, the 1 point for every dollar spent on airline ticket purchase, and the “companion ticket” feature — which still is a bit confusing to us — can we qualify??) and the Escape by Discover Card (like the 2 miles earned for every dollar spent for ALL purchases — including airline tickest(??)- not sure about this). Between the two, which would be best for us? The Citi Premier is a Master Card I believe, and the Escape is a Disc over. Should this be factored in?

Susan Bach

Answer – Susan, both these cards appear to suit you. There are some subtle differences that you may want to consider.

Firstly, the Citi PremierPass Elite Level also allows you to earn points not just on the dollar amount that you spend on the card, but also on the miles that you fly. If you pay for your husband’s flight, the miles he flies also earns points. You also get a complimentary ticket if you buy a roundtrip domestic ticket that cost at least $299. You mentioned that you do not like to use online travel sites. But Citi (through their ThankYou Network reward program) requires that you book your flights and trips online with Expedia.com. That is something you have to think about.

The Discover Escape card has the advantage of letting you earn double miles for every dollar that you spend on whatever items. It does not have the companion ticket feature and you do not earn extra miles based on the “number of miles you fly”. However, you can use an “off line” travel agent if you prefer and as long as you charge it to your card and you tell Discover within 60 days, you should be able to use your points for a statement credit.

If you are traveling within the US, either cards will be accepted almost everywhere. But if you travel abroad, then a MasterCard would be preferable to a Discover Card.

Your final choice will depend on

I suspect the Citi PremierPass would be a better fit for you, but hopefully, you will come to the right decision for yourselves.

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