In April, US Bank announces huge changes to its Club Carlson Premier Visa, which will be effective as of June 1, 2015. They are taking away the popular and potentially very lucrative "Second Rewards Night Free" feature, and our valuation of the rewards for general spending on this card will drop to 1.75%.
Earlier this month, Club Carlson announced their hotel category adjustment, which will be effective as of June 1, 2015, conveniently coinciding with the date when changes of Club Carlson Visa go into effect. There are 200+ properties moving up category and 100+ properties moving down. The number of Category-7 hotels will increase from 11 to 68. Basically among the high-end properties, approximately 84% of them will be 40-60% more expensive in rewards. That is really bad news. Our value for Club Carlson points will be adjusted from 0.35 cent per point to 0.25; Club Carlson Visa will return 1.25% for general spending in our book. Now you will ask the question whether it is worthwhile to keep the card. Now the annual 40K bonus when you pay the $75 annual fee will be worth $100 (in our book), and while we do have an opportunity to earn a free night after spending $10,000 a year we are becoming less excited about this product in general.
Mark it - June 1, 2015 is a really bad day for Club Carlson customers and an even worse one for Club Carlson Premier Visa cardholders. Hurry up and burn your points!
Earlier this month, Club Carlson announced their hotel category adjustment, which will be effective as of June 1, 2015, conveniently coinciding with the date when changes of Club Carlson Visa go into effect. There are 200+ properties moving up category and 100+ properties moving down. The number of Category-7 hotels will increase from 11 to 68. Basically among the high-end properties, approximately 84% of them will be 40-60% more expensive in rewards. That is really bad news. Our value for Club Carlson points will be adjusted from 0.35 cent per point to 0.25; Club Carlson Visa will return 1.25% for general spending in our book. Now you will ask the question whether it is worthwhile to keep the card. Now the annual 40K bonus when you pay the $75 annual fee will be worth $100 (in our book), and while we do have an opportunity to earn a free night after spending $10,000 a year we are becoming less excited about this product in general.
Mark it - June 1, 2015 is a really bad day for Club Carlson customers and an even worse one for Club Carlson Premier Visa cardholders. Hurry up and burn your points!
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