Hello folks:
I would like to seek your advice and wisdom for choosing between Amex Green (now with 60k pts offer) and Cap One Venture (75k offer). I currently have: Chase Sapphire Reserve (my highest end card), Amex Bonvoy, IHG Premium Select and the lower grade version, Alaska's BoA card, Discover, and some Cap One (no annual fee) card. My spouse has: Citi's AA card, Alaska's BoA card, and Cap One Venture.
Other than the Marriott Bonvoy card, I have no Amex card or points.
I have thought about the following factors:
Amex Green:
(pros) cheap way to earn Amex points, rare offer for Green card; low-ish fee of $150; All Nippon Airways only partners with Amex; ability to use Amex Travel
(cons) All Nippon miles are highly valued but difficult to use; 60K points still insufficient for most transatlantic biz class redemptions
(questions) Possible to downgrade to a no-fee card to keep Amex points after the first year?
Cap One Venture:
(pros) low-ish fee of $95; wide list of airline partners that Chase does not associate with; two Cap One lounge vouchers annually at three airports
(cons) 75K points still insufficient for most transatlantic biz class redemptions; spouse couldn't downgrade card after year one
(questions) Possible to downgrade to a no-fee card to keep Cap One points after the second year? My spouse uses family income to qualify. So, can she still refer me to earn a referral bonus?
I would like to pick your brilliant brains and see which card is better. I don't envision going for Amex Platinum any time soon. Thank you in advance!
