I'll give example for an end-of-summer stay that's I actually want to book. I'm sure it's not the only example.
- Hotel: Four Seasons Denver
- Date: 07/30 — 08/02
- Room: Superior King
- Price (all-in and refundable):
- Direct: $1215
- Expedia: $1215
- CSP Portal: $1215
- CSR Portal (/w Edit benefit): $1823 or 91,153 UR points
So Edit (essentially included Breakfast — nothing else is guaranteed) inflates room rate by 50% or $200 per night! However, it sure makes the 2 cpp UR redemption look good — make of that what you may.
I think Chase substantially inflates Edit prices to make Point Boost look good
byu/neilsarkar81 inCreditCards
Posted by neilsarkar81
4 Comments
Yep, I did the math and dropped my Chase and AmEx cards a while back
and grass is green xD
Quite common in all of the portal-style bookings. It’s part of the reason why I cancelled my VX. You were required to use their portal to maximize benefits but their portal was rarely price competitive.
My hypothesis is the business model of these so-called “travel” credit cards (any credit card is a travel credit card IMO)
– appeal to people’s desire for a shortcut to travel more/better/cheaper
– make too good to be true promises of airport lounges and points flights
– lure people with teaser prices (signup bonuses)
– make it hard to get out
Some/many people are afraid of closing cards.
Some/many people are also uncomfortable making phone calls.