Should I pay with Starwood + a fee, or cash without a fee

[cgiforever]

I'm new to the whole credit card/points thing. I got Starwood, based on Dan's praise in all his posts. I'm buying a car for $15,000+, and wanted to use my CC which would get my points off to a great start. The dealer however says that he can't take a credit card, because that would make him lose money by having to pay the service fee 2-3% - about $300.
So I'm wondering if it is worth it to offer to pay the service fee, just so I get the points? I don't have any trips planned in the immediate future that I need the points for, it just seems like to spend that kind of money without getting any points, is kind of pointless (sorry for the pun).
So I guess the question is whether 15,000 starwood points are worth $300, or where would I draw the line? (Again, If i knew that I needed to get business class to australia soon, then from what i understand it would definitely be worth it. But i don't know what or when I will use them.)

Thanks guys

[elikay]

15000x.03=450 and even 15000x.02=300 is a bit much

[sky121]

I'm new to the whole credit card/points thing. I got Starwood, based on Dan's praise in all his posts. I'm buying a car for $15,000+, and wanted to use my CC which would get my points off to a great start. The dealer however says that he can't take a credit card, because that would make him lose money by having to pay the service fee 2-3% - about $300.
So I'm wondering if it is worth it to offer to pay the service fee, just so I get the points? I don't have any trips planned in the immediate future that I need the points for, it just seems like to spend that kind of money without getting any points, is kind of pointless (sorry for the pun).
So I guess the question is whether 15,000 starwood points are worth $300, or where would I draw the line? (Again, If i knew that I needed to get business class to australia soon, then from what i understand it would definitely be worth it. But i don't know what or when I will use them.)

Thanks guys

I wouldn't give up so fast with convincing the dealer to let you pay with CC.

[smurf]

Maybe offer to do half and half

[AJK]

I wouldn't give up so fast with convincing the dealer to let you pay with CC.

+1

Dealers are hungry to "do deals." Try telling him you'll walk without purchase on CC.

[HelpMe]

This is when the cash back card blows the points card out of the water. Chase AARP card would come in handy right about now. Bought two cars this year with it!!!

[AsherO]

This is when the cash back card blows the points card out of the water. Chase AARP card would come in handy right about now. Bought two cars this year with it!!!

Depends how you value your points

[HelpMe]

Depends how you value your points

Not really. Would you pay the 3% in this case?

[AsherO]

Not really. Would you pay the 3% in this case?

Your AARP card would give you 3% cashback in this case? Even if it did, you'll be coming out even.

[bubbles]

Your AARP card would give you 3% cashback in this case? Even if it did, you'll be coming out even.

AARP gives 5% on everything for the first 6 months with no cap. Plus as you pointed out it comes with the added bonus of 0% APR for the first 12 months so you can hang onto your money for awhile.

[Name Changed]

Dealers are hungry to "do deals." Try telling him you'll walk without purchase on CC.

+1

Its against the CC contract for them to charge you a fee. You could deff dispute it.

[AsherO]

AARP gives 5% on everything for the first 6 months with no cap. Plus as you pointed out it comes with the added bonus of 0% APR for the first 12 months so you can hang onto your money for awhile.

You're right, but I wouldn't apply for the card if I wasn't sure I had a big purchase to put on it, and once I had the deal in writing from the dealer, there's be no time to apply.

Besides, unless (like in your case) I was getting 3% (5% minus dealer fees) on 30k, I'd be better off with a rewards card.

You'd also need a monster credit line, not everyone can get approved for 15k with Chase these days.

[Name Changed]

Is this for a New car or used car?

Cuz if its a new car you could get them to accept a AMEX using the AMEX car buying...

[myb821]

You'd also need a monster credit line, not everyone can get approved for 15k with Chase these days.

Amex is a lot looser with their credit lines

[AsherO]

Amex is a lot looser with their credit lines

Until F/R Ch"V...

[bubbles]

Besides, unless (like in your case) I was getting 3% (5% minus dealer fees) on 30k, I'd be better off with a rewards card

How many $850 sign up bonuses are there?

[AsherO]

How many $850 sign up bonuses are there?

There are quite a few that are close (depending on where/how you redeem. Sapphire Preferred 50k, Ink Bold 50k, Marriott 70k, Southwest 50k Amex 50k and others.

[Dan]

There are quite a few that are close (depending on where/how you redeem. Sapphire Preferred 50k, Ink Bold 50k, Marriott 70k, Southwest 50k Amex 50k and others.

Plus the UA or CO 50K match would be worth $850.  And arguably Hyatt.
However I don't think 70K Marriott is worth anywhere near $850.

[Dan]

My 2 cents.  If a dealer is willing to take a cc then you haven't negotiated a good enough deal.

At least make sure you're doing better than AMEX Zag as with that you can pay at least part on your AMEX.

[HelpMe]

Just a couple of thoughts.

If you are comparing sign up bonuses then points/miles cards wins hands down. If you are talking for churning purposes there is no comparison. Cash back all day long.

If the only way a dealer will take a CC is to charge you the fee you probably are at their best price.

Getting a 10k line from Chase is pretty easy these days since they are letting you combine CL’s. Also a 10k line becomes an 80k line when you churn it 8 times a month!!!