The best points program, hands down -- good service too!
Written: Jan 25 '00
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Great service, great points program
Cons: Not accepted in enough restaurants, stores
|
|
|
| led_zec's Full Review: Diners Club (Citibank) |
For eight years, I was a Diners Club card holder through my employer, who provided all of us with a card. At first, I was like, "Diners Club? Who takes that?" However, as a business traveler, I soon came to realize, that with the exception of some restaurants and most stores, almost everyone takes the card. I am also an Amex Platinum card holder and while I love that card too, it is close to a toss up with the Diners Club.
There are a number of good things about this card, but the two most significant ones are the service provided by Diners Club and the best affinity card points program ever invented!
First of all, Diners service is awesome. I have almost never, in eight years, waited on hold to speak with a customer service representative. When I call, I don't even need my account number -- they look it up by my name with only a few key security questions. Instead of the more typical minimum wage flunkies hired by most card customer service centers, the Diners representatives are generally intelligent, empowered and helpful. In addition, the billings are clear, detailed and very useful.
One thing I miss tremendously (I canceled my account recently, as I just didn't need another card with an annual fee), is the excellent points program with DC. Not only did we as a corporate card holder receive two points for every dollar, almost every hotel, airline and other "frequent user" program throughout the world is available for transfers. In addition, the merchandise available through the program, while relatively expensive in terms of points, was top quality stuff, including things like Sony televisions and Taylor Made golf clubs. In addition, DC often ran specials that had bonuses, like double miles when transferring points to British Airways, for example. In addition, you could use points to pay for the expedite fee for fast points transfers, instead of just paying a cash fee.
I even used the Diners Club lounges a couple of times that are located in many international airports. While not spectacular (especially the one in Brussels), they are a welcome relief when there is no airline club handy that you belong to.
Overall, a great card, with great programs. The only hitch is the fact that it is not widely accepted at restaurants or stores, especially in the Western US. International acceptance and New York/Northeast is usually pretty good, however.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
led_zec
|
|
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Reviews written: 96
Trusted by: 38 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.