MP VISA Signature -- Miles Are NOT the Only Benefit
Written: Dec 01 '01 (Updated Dec 06 '01)
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Pros: VISA Signature benefits: no preset spending limit, concierge service...
Cons: annual fee
The Bottom Line: Good combination of rewards, service, and a myriad of added VISA Signature benefits. A card that should not be overlooked.
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| benjaminyoung's Full Review: United Airlines Mileage Plus Visa(First USA) |
I initially accepted First USA's offer for this card because of the generous 5,000 bonus miles. However, a letter I received from the bank last week has greatly improved the value of this card: I was informed that my account had been upgraded to a VISA Signature card.
NOTE: As with all my credit card reviews, I am interested only in the benefits and services NOT related to interest rates and finance charges.
Miles are NOT the only benefit ... in response to another member's review title.
VISA SIGNATURE BENEFITS:
First USA's launch date for this new product (for those not already upgraded) is December 3, 2001. I happen to be a sucker for VISA Signature cards, of which I have several. For those who may not be familiar with this card level, here are a few of the features:
- "superior to Platinum" - usually includes priority customer service (dedicated team), fast dispute resolution, etc.
- no preset spending limit (but there is a "credit line," the amount you can revolve)
- extensive travel benefits (including airport parking guarantee, room upgrades)
- concierge service
- all Signature cards include a rewards program -- in this case, the standard 1 mile per dollar posted to your Mileage Plus account
STELLAR SERVICE:
I have found First USA's customer support to be very good for the past few years:
- I have never had to wait to speak to a representative for more than a few minutes (my calls are mostly answered in a matter of seconds).
- Questions are answered fully and problems resolved promptly.
- Representatives are always professional and courteous.
I know that many of the other reviews paint a very different portrait but my experience has been pleasant. In the past, representatives were poorly trained and downright rude, but First USA made some radical changes about 3 years ago... and the ride has been smooth ever since. (I won't elaborate too much here -- for more, please refer to my review in the "First USA" epinions category).
ONLINE FEATURES
Let's face it -- all of us using Epinions probably place a good amount of importance on the online presence of companies with which we deal.
First USA's web site has some really nice features. Along with email support for any issue related to your account (you'd be surprised how many banks limit your email inquiries to just a few options), transaction an statement information is extensive. I also find First USA's site much more intuitive than many others, and only a few institutions offer more features (e.g. Citibank and Juniper Bank -- the latter even offers online chat with a rep).
UPDATE: (12/01/2001) First USA's new web site (available in about 2 weeks) will offer a new, streamlined interface. It looks like it will be one of the sleekest, easiest to use cardmember access sites. The promised improvements will make First USA's online offerings even more useful.
Another nice (if only cosmetic) feature, is the customized sites First USA creates for some of its larger partners, such as United. The account access for MP cards has both companies' logos, and useful links to the United Airlines web site.
One note of caution: although email replies are fairly prompt, I found First USA's telephone representatives to be more helpful/knowledgeable than their email staff.
DRAWBACKS ELIMINATED:
I always thought the $60 fee on Platinum MP accounts was ridiculous. My other complaint was that First USA did not offer a VISA Signature for UAL, while it did for British Airways.
Now, both of these issues have been resolved: First USA upgraded the card without increasing the fee. Although $60 is still expensive, it is quite reasonable compared to other Signature cards: I have a couple of Signature cards with no fee but most charge anywhere from $85 (as does the British Airways VISA Signature card) to over $100.
[However, I have a feeling that, if First USA makes this card available through application, the fee will be increased.]
FINAL WORD:
All things considered, the UAL VISA Signature card is an excellent choice for MP members. The signing bonus miles are not to be overlooked, and the added benefits of the new Signature product add real value to the card. Along with great customer service, Signature benefits, and online account access, I think First USA has given us a winner.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
benjaminyoung
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Location: Los Angeles, CA
Reviews written: 12
Trusted by: 2 members
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