Citibank Platinum Visa vs Mastercard

Rune · #1 (**permalink**) 21st January 2004, 11:31 AM

Even though this question relates to credit cards, I think it still belongs in this forum (it's a question, after all!).

Like others on this forum, I currently have a Citibank Visa Platinum card. However, the recent 2004 benefits update seems to have gone backward in my opinion. For example, you can no longer obtain Hilton Gold status though the card (no more free breakfast!) - and the "airline" benefits focus exclusively on Asia and not Australia (although this was always the case).

I'm curious, does anyone own a Citibank Platinum Mastercard? Details on the benefits of the Mastercard are not readily available. I'd be inclined to switch if Mastercard had any benefits that were useful to me. I recall they previously included Priority Pass with the Mastercard, which may be a step in the right direction...

Rgds,
Jamie.

Lindsay Wilson · #2 (**permalink**) 21st January 2004, 08:12 PM

Jamie, sorry I've got the CB Plat Visa (same as you) and not looking at switching (as I've got Gold on both SPG and Hilton through paid stays in 2004, having been comped Gold for Hilton when I got the card in 2002). Don't know anybody with the MC version.

Gordon · #3 (**permalink**) 22nd January 2004, 02:18 AM

Yes, I too am rather disappointed in the Visa platinum airlines discounts applying only to Asia.
Given that there are opinions (various) that Australia is a part of Asia, why doesn't Visa recognise and reward Australian Platinum card holders?
The ones offered to places like Hong Kong don't seem to be worth while anyway.
The BA offer of "two World Traveller class tickets to London for the price of one" still costs over $HK50,000. or about $AU8,000. (for two tickets) from Hong Kong to London / return.
It's cheaper to fly from Sydney (to London / return)..... without this 'discount' !

Rune · #4 (**permalink**) 22nd January 2004, 02:04 PM

Just stumbled across the following page, which looks fairly new:

http://www.mastercardplatinumcollection.com

So now we can do a direct comparison between the two programs. For me, the jury is still out...

Jamie.

Gordon · #5 (**permalink**) 23rd January 2004, 04:55 AM

I've just had a look at that site....
and I think I like it better than the Platinum Visa site!
At least there are SPECIFIC references to AUSTRALIAN hotels, restaurants etc. A bit pricy though!

I'll be looking into it more.... which card offers the best value in AUSTRALIA (I don't live in Asia....)

regards to all....