Grand Reserve World Mastercard - Earn up to 8x Points On BD12

[Mike C.]

What happened to the wine scent kits on the reward page? I saw it last week as a redemption option before I applied but now they are all gone.

Temporary stock issues...some should re-appear shortly! We try not to show out of stock items.

Great! Something I probably wouldn’t buy out of pocket but a fun thing to use these points for!

[Chadly S]

General question. For the bonus points, if we placed the order the 26th or 27th but the winery doesn’t charge us until the 28th or later, do we still get the bonus points? I know it’s a nit picky technicality but just wanted to know either way.

Separately, purchases with my card went off without a hitch and I bought a few offers I probably wouldn’t have without the card and points.

[matthewgoldman]

General question. For the bonus points, if we placed the order the 26th or 27th but the winery doesn’t charge us until the 28th or later, do we still get the bonus points? I know it’s a nit picky technicality but just wanted to know either way.

Separately, purchases with my card went off without a hitch and I bought a few offers I probably wouldn’t have without the card and points.

If the transaction date is 26/27 it counts (ET). If it settles later it counts. If they don’t charge you for a few days it doesn’t count for the extra bonus but still 3x/5x

So glad it went smoothly.

[matthewgoldman]

Noting a change to the original post, as the original offer is now expired. Posted in first post and quoted below. Thank you everyone for your support and for signing up!

NOTE: The BerserkerDay 12 offer is now expired. You can still apply for the card with our standard offer of 50,000 bonus points on signup. Please visit https://grwmc.co/wineberserkers to read more, review the terms and conditions, and apply.

Applications completed prior to midnight Pacific 1/27/2021 that are in review will earn the BD12 signup bonus. Future applications will not.

While the signup bonus changed and the accelerated earnings on BD12 are over, you will still earn 5x points at partners, 3x points at wine merchants & restaurants, and 2x everywhere else. We will continue to ship you a pair of Grassl Glasses as a welcome bonus!

https://grwmc.co/wineberserkers

[Dan Hammer]

My glasses arrived last night. That was some impressive packing. Going to take a spin around the block with my new glass with the '09 Sojourn Spring Mountain cab tonight, along with a 12 oz Flannery (from my last purchase).

[Li Chen]

My card was approved last Friday and my glasses arrived today. Thanks Chris. Very nice packaging. Love the glasses!

Matthew, I am still waiting for my card. I spent over $2600 on BD12. Now I have to figure out how to spend $3000 when the card arrives. It will be tough. Thank you for helping with my application.

[matthewgoldman]

My card was approved last Friday and my glasses arrived today. Thanks Chris. Very nice packaging. Love the glasses!

Matthew, I am still waiting for my card. I spent over $2600 on BD12. Now I have to figure out how to spend $3000 when the card arrives. It will be tough. Thank you for helping with my application.

You card should arrive soon! Usually 7-10 days. If not, message me and we'll expedite.

I am sure you will have more opportunity--you can use the card for more than wine of course--utilities, netflix, insurance payments, restaurants, etc.

[Dan Hammer]

This glass is light as a feather. It's beautiful to look at, and much lighter in feel than my Riedels. When I tapped it with my ring, it was a much nicer sound than Riedel. I wish I could write tasting notes as descriptive as this.

[Todd F r e n c h]

Ok, not to show my 'credit card balance' or anything, since it's only 2 days old, but this feature is REALLY cool! Most credit cards with bonuses would rather HIDE the bonus than have this feature!

Fantastic idea, whomever came up with it.

[matthewgoldman]

Ok, not to show my 'credit card balance' or anything, since it's only 2 days old, but this feature is REALLY cool! Most credit cards with bonuses would rather HIDE the bonus than have this feature!

Screen Shot 2021-01-28 at 7.58.54 PM.png

Fantastic idea, whomever came up with it.

Thanks Todd! I'll let the team know how pleased you are!

[Bruce Rudman]

I received my glasses last night and took one for a "spin." I really like the look, feel and taste with them. They look so fragile, so I am hoping they are as durable as others say! Still don't have the card though!

[matthewgoldman]

I received my glasses last night and took one for a "spin." I really like the look, feel and taste with them. They look so fragile, so I am hoping they are as durable as others say! Still don't have the card though!

Cards should arrive within 7-10 business days of your approval or 14 at most. If it still hasn’t you can contact us for a replacement.

[Li Chen]

My card was approved last Friday and my glasses arrived today. Thanks Chris. Very nice packaging. Love the glasses!

Matthew, I am still waiting for my card. I spent over $2600 on BD12. Now I have to figure out how to spend $3000 when the card arrives. It will be tough. Thank you for helping with my application.

You card should arrive soon! Usually 7-10 days. If not, message me and we'll expedite.

I am sure you will have more opportunity--you can use the card for more than wine of course--utilities, netflix, insurance payments, restaurants, etc.

Hi Matthew,

My card arrived last week. It looks very cool. Fantastic design. I am grateful for all the assistance during this process.

I wish the card has arrived in time for BD12. I lost 15,000 points because it arrived a week later. I will now wait for BD13.

Happy weekend.

[Ken Strauss]

I tried to order Valentines Day special from Flannery. The card was rejected. I have plenty of available credit.
I just charged it on American Express and had no problem. Not sure what happened. Matthew...I would appreciate your input.
Thanks
Ken

[matthewgoldman]

I tried to order Valentines Day special from Flannery. The card was rejected. I have plenty of available credit.
I just charged it on American Express and had no problem. Not sure what happened. Matthew...I would appreciate your input.
Thanks
Ken

It sounds like it may be that our anti-fraud algorithms were tripped to protect you from unwanted charges.

There are certain procedures that the bank requires are followed for ongoing customer care, so I encourage you (and everyone) to contact us at hello@grandreservecard.com or 800-630-6056 for support.

If our team can't help you, please message me and I'll see if I can move things along. I, too, have had a transaction or two declined! No offense is intended

[Kedar Dubhashi]

Fraud-prevention kicking in happens on all credit cards. Calling up customer service is the only way to fix the problem. I am glad this card has it.

[Al Osterheld]

Takes a while for a new card to learn your afflictions.

- Al

[Ken Strauss]

I tried to order Valentines Day special from Flannery. The card was rejected. I have plenty of available credit.
I just charged it on American Express and had no problem. Not sure what happened. Matthew...I would appreciate your input.
Thanks
Ken

It sounds like it may be that our anti-fraud algorithms were tripped to protect you from unwanted charges.

There are certain procedures that the bank requires are followed for ongoing customer care, so I encourage you (and everyone) to contact us at hello@grandreservecard.com or 800-630-6056 for support.

If our team can't help you, please message me and I'll see if I can move things along. I, too, have had a transaction or two declined! No offense is intended

Very strange.
I will call tomorrow.
Thanks
Ken

[S t e p h e n Moss]

I applied and was accepted on Jan 19th. Got my glasses before berserker day but still no card.

Also I get grand reserve points already, how are these points different then the ones from the credit card.

[Dan Hammer]

My Pass arrived in the mail today.

[matthewgoldman]

I applied and was accepted on Jan 19th. Got my glasses before berserker day but still no card.

Also I get grand reserve points already, how are these points different then the ones from the credit card.

Stephen - We'll get back to you on your question via your email to support. I would discourage everyone from publicly posting personal card info here as the forum is not secure...

[Ken Strauss]

I tried to order Valentines Day special from Flannery. The card was rejected. I have plenty of available credit.
I just charged it on American Express and had no problem. Not sure what happened. Matthew...I would appreciate your input.
Thanks
Ken

It sounds like it may be that our anti-fraud algorithms were tripped to protect you from unwanted charges.

There are certain procedures that the bank requires are followed for ongoing customer care, so I encourage you (and everyone) to contact us at hello@grandreservecard.com or 800-630-6056 for support.

If our team can't help you, please message me and I'll see if I can move things along. I, too, have had a transaction or two declined! No offense is intended

Very strange.
I will call tomorrow.
Thanks
Ken

I called customer service.
No explanation. The transaction doesn’t show up.
Like I said strange.

[Kedar Dubhashi]

Matthew, thanks for following up with your team. My card was approved today. Looking forward to spending $$ on my new card!

Chris, I was wondering if I could get the Cru (or 1855 as a second choice) glasses instead of Liberte. Please let me know. Thank you.

[Won H. L e e]

I will come out and say it. Grand Western Reserve.. you guys are pathetic, the way you have approached this whole ordeal. Initially created GR rewards system, and then to force people into signing up for credit card, now you discontinue the link service? and then offer mere 0.004 cent per point? If the credit card carried no annual fee, perhaps, but 100+ annual fee from 2nd yr, while there are much better cards with huge returns? Yeah.. Yikes.

[matthewgoldman]

Matthew, thanks for following up with your team. My card was approved today. Looking forward to spending $$ on my new card!

Chris, I was wondering if I could get the Cru (or 1855 as a second choice) glasses instead of Liberte. Please let me know. Thank you.

Kedar - I am glad we were able to work everything out. We'll work with Chris on this.

[Todd F r e n c h]

I will come out and say it. Grand Western Reserve.. you guys are pathetic, the way you have approached this whole ordeal. Initially created GR rewards system, and then to force people into signing up for credit card, now you discontinue the link service? and then offer mere 0.004 cent per point? If the credit card carried no annual fee, perhaps, but 100+ annual fee from 2nd yr, while there are much better cards with huge returns? Yeah.. Yikes.

I just received the email, trying to figure it out as well. To me it seems like it is the former program, where you just linked another card to the rewards program (like I had), but that earned very little in terms of points, by my experience anyway.

[matthewgoldman]

I will come out and say it. Grand Western Reserve.. you guys are pathetic, the way you have approached this whole ordeal. Initially created GR rewards system, and then to force people into signing up for credit card, now you discontinue the link service? and then offer mere 0.004 cent per point? If the credit card carried no annual fee, perhaps, but 100+ annual fee from 2nd yr, while there are much better cards with huge returns? Yeah.. Yikes.

I just received the email, trying to figure it out as well. To me it seems like it is the former program, where you just linked another card to the rewards program (like I had), but that earned very little in terms of points, by my experience anyway.

Todd - that's correct. The free program we originally launched in 2019 which allows you to earn 1 point per dollar on your existing credit cards (say from Chase or Citibank) is being discontinued. Users can redeem their points in the catalog for some good values, but if you choose a cash-out the rate is $0.004.

We will continue to invest into the Grand Reserve World Mastercard program which is a great program and provides many more benefits. Points in the card program have a higher value and can be redeemed for wine as well.

[cjsavino]

Is there a problem with the website. Shows no transactions, balance, or my information when logged in.

[Won H. L e e]

I will come out and say it. Grand Western Reserve.. you guys are pathetic, the way you have approached this whole ordeal. Initially created GR rewards system, and then to force people into signing up for credit card, now you discontinue the link service? and then offer mere 0.004 cent per point? If the credit card carried no annual fee, perhaps, but 100+ annual fee from 2nd yr, while there are much better cards with huge returns? Yeah.. Yikes.

I just received the email, trying to figure it out as well. To me it seems like it is the former program, where you just linked another card to the rewards program (like I had), but that earned very little in terms of points, by my experience anyway.

correct, you were allowing this company to have free access to your data, in return for providing meager point. I signed up also because, heck google has all my info anyway. So grand reserve mined the data, likely spun that to sell for profit, and now are discontinuing that to force people to either lose point, or cash out at ridiculously low $per point, or get their credit card with crappy value. yay

[matthewgoldman]

Is there a problem with the website. Shows no transactions, balance, or my information when logged in.

Yes, we are currently experiencing an outage with our underlying card processor and are currently working to resolve it.

[matthewgoldman]

I will come out and say it. Grand Western Reserve.. you guys are pathetic, the way you have approached this whole ordeal. Initially created GR rewards system, and then to force people into signing up for credit card, now you discontinue the link service? and then offer mere 0.004 cent per point? If the credit card carried no annual fee, perhaps, but 100+ annual fee from 2nd yr, while there are much better cards with huge returns? Yeah.. Yikes.

I just received the email, trying to figure it out as well. To me it seems like it is the former program, where you just linked another card to the rewards program (like I had), but that earned very little in terms of points, by my experience anyway.

correct, you were allowing this company to have free access to your data, in return for providing meager point. I signed up also because, heck google has all my info anyway. So grand reserve mined the data, likely spun that to sell for profit, and now are discontinuing that to force people to either lose point, or cash out at ridiculously low $per point, or get their credit card with crappy value. yay

I do want to make clear that we do not sell user data. No profit was earned from the Grand Reserve Link program.

[Kedar Dubhashi]

I am hoping the experts here would advise us on the thoughts below.

What are the best redemption values for GR Wine Points? Is it Chris' fantastic glasses, ProofLoyalty? Something else?

I missed the BD12 boat for spending. What expenses are you putting on this card?

Some point systems allow combining points across multiple accounts. I was wondering if our friend Won H. Lee might be allowed to combine points across multiple accounts into a single one. It would be a great selling point for the card and make Won happy.

[Ken Strauss]

The jury is out!
I am not happy with the customer service so far.
I received the card in time to order for berserker day. Very happy about that. However the rewards have significantly changed.
Mathew has said the rewards will be updated. I await.
I tried to charge a valentines special with Flannery and was declined. Called customer service ...no record of transaction. This is not acceptable.

At this point I am ok because 1st year is free. However if this is the customer service to expect I will be a one year customer.

[Won H. L e e]

I am hoping the experts here would advise us on the thoughts below.

What are the best redemption values for GR Wine Points? Is it Chris' fantastic glasses, ProofLoyalty? Something else?

I missed the BD12 boat for spending. What expenses are you putting on this card?

Some point systems allow combining points across multiple accounts. I was wondering if our friend Won H. Lee might be allowed to combine points across multiple accounts into a single one. It would be a great selling point for the card and make Won happy.

Best redemption value is to spend whatever points you have left and get out. The company just admitted that their point is valued at 0.004 cent per. They offer 5 points per dollar spent (thereby 2% return) on their partners, 1.2% return on other wineries, wine clubs, restaurants, deliveries, and 0.8% return on everywhere else, while charging $149 per year (After 1st yr). Heck, you can get Chase Sapphire preferred and get 2% return on all wineries, dining (including takeout) and still get 1% return on everywhere else, with annual fee of 99$. I can also explain why Amex Gold and Chase Reserve is better (Despite higher fees) but I don't want to expand into that.


Why would anyone even bother signing up for this card?

[Won H. L e e]

I just received the email, trying to figure it out as well. To me it seems like it is the former program, where you just linked another card to the rewards program (like I had), but that earned very little in terms of points, by my experience anyway.

correct, you were allowing this company to have free access to your data, in return for providing meager point. I signed up also because, heck google has all my info anyway. So grand reserve mined the data, likely spun that to sell for profit, and now are discontinuing that to force people to either lose point, or cash out at ridiculously low $per point, or get their credit card with crappy value. yay

I do want to make clear that we do not sell user data. No profit was earned from the Grand Reserve Link program.

I want to make sure I heard you correct then. You have ran money losing business all this time prior to credit card program. That the ability to acquire partnership with wineries were NOT based on spending pattern analysis from your members or any of their personal data?

[matthewgoldman]

correct, you were allowing this company to have free access to your data, in return for providing meager point. I signed up also because, heck google has all my info anyway. So grand reserve mined the data, likely spun that to sell for profit, and now are discontinuing that to force people to either lose point, or cash out at ridiculously low $per point, or get their credit card with crappy value. yay

I do want to make clear that we do not sell user data. No profit was earned from the Grand Reserve Link program.

I want to make sure I heard you correct then. You have ran money losing business all this time prior to credit card program. That the ability to acquire partnership with wineries were NOT based on spending pattern analysis from your members or any of their personal data?

That's correct. We did not sell any personal information and are prohibited from doing so in our privacy policy. We were hopeful that the Grand Reserve Link program would grow and we would be able to provide offers to its members from our partner wineries. However, as many of our users have experienced, our ability to consistently download transactional data from third-party credit card companies, has been challenging. This is the primary reason we are sunsetting the program. The bank-connection technology is not reliable enough to provide a great experience to all users. In addition, many users did not want to use the Plaid interface to login to their bank.

In contrast, with our own card, we get all of the data directly from Mastercard. This enables us to consistently and properly reward points. Cardmembers are eligible both for the higher per transaction earning rates and for special offers from our partner wineries.

[Kedar Dubhashi]

I am hoping the experts here would advise us on the thoughts below.

What are the best redemption values for GR Wine Points? Is it Chris' fantastic glasses, ProofLoyalty? Something else?

I missed the BD12 boat for spending. What expenses are you putting on this card?

Some point systems allow combining points across multiple accounts. I was wondering if our friend Won H. Lee might be allowed to combine points across multiple accounts into a single one. It would be a great selling point for the card and make Won happy.

Best redemption value is to spend whatever points you have left and get out. The company just admitted that their point is valued at 0.004 cent per. They offer 5 points per dollar spent (thereby 2% return) on their partners, 1.2% return on other wineries, wine clubs, restaurants, deliveries, and 0.8% return on everywhere else, while charging $149 per year (After 1st yr). Heck, you can get Chase Sapphire preferred and get 2% return on all wineries, dining (including takeout) and still get 1% return on everywhere else, with annual fee of 99$. I can also explain why Amex Gold and Chase Reserve is better (Despite higher fees) but I don't want to expand into that.


Why would anyone even bother signing up for this card?

Won, I am not great at math as you are but I will try.

It's 5% with a partner + 2% with the merchant where you spent the most per billing statement.
It's 3% at wineries/wine.com etc + %2 just like above.

Done carefully, you would get 7% at a partner and 5% at wine.com per month -- which could net you 4.2 cents per dollar spent with a partner and 3 cents at wine.com. That beats Sapphire, IMHO. Also, beats Chase Sapphire Reserve + Freedom Unlimited which would give you 2.25 (1.5 x 1.5) cents per dollar spent. Let's not discount $550 yearly Reserve fees.

I have only scanned the catalog of goodies. Based on some examples, Riedel Sommelier glasses would give me .6 cents/point. ProofLoyalty is at .5 cents/point.

Hilton Honors program gives me .5 cents/point. So, this is in the ballpark for redemption, a little better actually.

I had not signed up for the previous program. I don't quite understand why you are so upset at .4 cents/point. It's not great like Hyatt at 1.8-2 cents/point but it's not too far off from Hilton. And it was for free!

My belief: this card would be useful for people who spend quite a bit on wines per year. If you spend $7500 per year at partners, you will come out ahead compared to Reserve. No?

[Mike C.]

What happened to the wine scent kits on the reward page? I saw it last week as a redemption option before I applied but now they are all gone.

Temporary stock issues...some should re-appear shortly! We try not to show out of stock items.

I see that the 12-aroma kit is back but not the Le Nez du Vin or the 60-aroma master kit--will either of those two be coming back soon? Thanks in advance!

[Brian Tuite]

[bradkaplan]

Since we are all peppering Matthew with questions, I'm eager to use some points on two Grassl 6 packs - coming soon?

(I should add, I've been happy with everything thus far, sorry to hear others are having issues)

[Bruce Rudman]

Interesting mix of complaints here. I did not get my card until Wednesday (about 18 days after approval). In fact, I got an email that they had printing issues and extended the bonus period by 30 days due to the delay. Then on Wednesday I got two cards with two different numbers, one by snail mail and one by Fedex. Too late for most of the Spring buying season or Berserkerday, but I am happy with the Grassl glasses and will try out the card the next 90 days for the added points. I did not see Realm Cellars as a vendor so used a higher points card for that purchase though!

[matthewgoldman]

For those of you who filled out Chris's Grassl survey for special 6 and 12 packs those are now available in the catalog. Look for the BD12 specials.

The catalog will continue to change, always. items come in and out of stock. Manufacturers discontinue items, etc. We're working to restock some additional items and you'll see quite a few more in the next week or so be added (some returns, some new).

For Kedar's math: the value of a point at ProofLoyalty (or anywhere else) in the catalog is a minimum of $0.006 per point. Some things are better deals than others. Some things are priceless (e.g. a winemaker dinner) and as we look to a more open world we hope to have more great experiences for you all to enjoy.

Thanks for the feedback and keep it coming!

[bradkaplan]

Thanks Matthew - I just placed an order but honestly don't recall what my filled out form indicated I wanted! I PM'd Chris to clarify what I would like, but if there's a better way to do that, please let us know.

[matthewgoldman]

Thanks Matthew - I just placed an order but honestly don't recall what my filled out form indicated I wanted! I PM'd Chris to clarify what I would like, but if there's a better way to do that, please let us know.

Great. Chris will be in touch on fulfillment for these special orders!

[D@ve D y r 0 f f]

My sign-up bonus hasn't come through yet, but while I wait I only see the one BD12 special in the catalog - 75k for 12 stems. I filled out the survey for the half-deal at 37.5K for 6, will that be appearing soon?

Thanks!

[matthewgoldman]

My sign-up bonus hasn't come through yet, but while I wait I only see the one BD12 special in the catalog - 75k for 12 stems. I filled out the survey for the half-deal at 37.5K for 6, will that be appearing soon?

Thanks!

If you choose "Show Options" on the BD12 special you will see 37,500 for 6 option and 75,000 for 12 option. It's like t-shirt sizes, just pick the correct one and add to cart.

[Won H. L e e]

I am hoping the experts here would advise us on the thoughts below.

What are the best redemption values for GR Wine Points? Is it Chris' fantastic glasses, ProofLoyalty? Something else?

I missed the BD12 boat for spending. What expenses are you putting on this card?

Some point systems allow combining points across multiple accounts. I was wondering if our friend Won H. Lee might be allowed to combine points across multiple accounts into a single one. It would be a great selling point for the card and make Won happy.

Best redemption value is to spend whatever points you have left and get out. The company just admitted that their point is valued at 0.004 cent per. They offer 5 points per dollar spent (thereby 2% return) on their partners, 1.2% return on other wineries, wine clubs, restaurants, deliveries, and 0.8% return on everywhere else, while charging $149 per year (After 1st yr). Heck, you can get Chase Sapphire preferred and get 2% return on all wineries, dining (including takeout) and still get 1% return on everywhere else, with annual fee of 99$. I can also explain why Amex Gold and Chase Reserve is better (Despite higher fees) but I don't want to expand into that.


Why would anyone even bother signing up for this card?

Won, I am not great at math as you are but I will try.

It's 5% with a partner + 2% with the merchant where you spent the most per billing statement.
It's 3% at wineries/wine.com etc + %2 just like above.

Done carefully, you would get 7% at a partner and 5% at wine.com per month -- which could net you 4.2 cents per dollar spent with a partner and 3 cents at wine.com. That beats Sapphire, IMHO. Also, beats Chase Sapphire Reserve + Freedom Unlimited which would give you 2.25 (1.5 x 1.5) cents per dollar spent. Let's not discount $550 yearly Reserve fees.

I have only scanned the catalog of goodies. Based on some examples, Riedel Sommelier glasses would give me .6 cents/point. ProofLoyalty is at .5 cents/point.

Hilton Honors program gives me .5 cents/point. So, this is in the ballpark for redemption, a little better actually.

I had not signed up for the previous program. I don't quite understand why you are so upset at .4 cents/point. It's not great like Hyatt at 1.8-2 cents/point but it's not too far off from Hilton. And it was for free!

My belief: this card would be useful for people who spend quite a bit on wines per year. If you spend $7500 per year at partners, you will come out ahead compared to Reserve. No?

except that's not how math works. Not all points are created equal, and GRW has specified that each point is worth 0.4 cents. Therefore, you get 7 POINTS (not dollars) at the max category listed above. 7 pts *.4 cents = 2.1 cents per dollar spend. and much less elsewhere. You may get a slightly better value by aiming for specific rewards as specified, but it isn't much.

Chase reserve is priced at $450 (they don't plan to increase the cost). but you get $300 back each year, anything that is considered a travel, including hotel/flight/rental car, so it's more of $150 per yr. + more benefit than what this card offers.
Also, YMMV but many wineries I have purchased counted as dining/travel, and thereby being credited with 3 points per dollar spent; heck even garagiste wine was considered food/drink purchase, and thereby earning 3 points. Each chase pt could be valued at 1.5 cent, so that's 4.5% return. What's better option then?

Look, I am not flaming their old program. I was a fan, signed up, enjoyed it. I get it that they don't make much $$ off of it compare to the credit card, but to give customer only short notice with expiration, so take it or leave it is what left bad taste in my mouth. It felt like they were trying to hook people onto service, and then switch bait to credit card.

[Eric Z.]

Best redemption value is to spend whatever points you have left and get out. The company just admitted that their point is valued at 0.004 cent per. They offer 5 points per dollar spent (thereby 2% return) on their partners, 1.2% return on other wineries, wine clubs, restaurants, deliveries, and 0.8% return on everywhere else, while charging $149 per year (After 1st yr). Heck, you can get Chase Sapphire preferred and get 2% return on all wineries, dining (including takeout) and still get 1% return on everywhere else, with annual fee of 99$. I can also explain why Amex Gold and Chase Reserve is better (Despite higher fees) but I don't want to expand into that.


Why would anyone even bother signing up for this card?

Won, I am not great at math as you are but I will try.

It's 5% with a partner + 2% with the merchant where you spent the most per billing statement.
It's 3% at wineries/wine.com etc + %2 just like above.

Done carefully, you would get 7% at a partner and 5% at wine.com per month -- which could net you 4.2 cents per dollar spent with a partner and 3 cents at wine.com. That beats Sapphire, IMHO. Also, beats Chase Sapphire Reserve + Freedom Unlimited which would give you 2.25 (1.5 x 1.5) cents per dollar spent. Let's not discount $550 yearly Reserve fees.

I have only scanned the catalog of goodies. Based on some examples, Riedel Sommelier glasses would give me .6 cents/point. ProofLoyalty is at .5 cents/point.

Hilton Honors program gives me .5 cents/point. So, this is in the ballpark for redemption, a little better actually.

I had not signed up for the previous program. I don't quite understand why you are so upset at .4 cents/point. It's not great like Hyatt at 1.8-2 cents/point but it's not too far off from Hilton. And it was for free!

My belief: this card would be useful for people who spend quite a bit on wines per year. If you spend $7500 per year at partners, you will come out ahead compared to Reserve. No?

except that's not how math works. Not all points are created equal, and GRW has specified that each point is worth 0.4 cents. Therefore, you get 7 POINTS (not dollars) at the max category listed above. 7 pts *.4 cents = 2.1 cents per dollar spend. and much less elsewhere. You may get a slightly better value by aiming for specific rewards as specified, but it isn't much.

Chase reserve is priced at $450 (they don't plan to increase the cost). but you get $300 back each year, anything that is considered a travel, including hotel/flight/rental car, so it's more of $150 per yr. + more benefit than what this card offers.
Also, YMMV but many wineries I have purchased counted as dining/travel, and thereby being credited with 3 points per dollar spent; heck even garagiste wine was considered food/drink purchase, and thereby earning 3 points. Each chase pt could be valued at 1.5 cent, so that's 4.5% return. What's better option then?

Look, I am not flaming their old program. I was a fan, signed up, enjoyed it. I get it that they don't make much $$ off of it compare to the credit card, but to give customer only short notice with expiration, so take it or leave it is what left bad taste in my mouth. It felt like they were trying to hook people onto service, and then switch bait to credit card.

CSR actually did bump up their price to $550 in Jan 2020 and if you open up a browser to apply it says $550. They clawed it back with a $100 statement credit upon renewal for a time and just expanded that for another wave of those who are set to renew. Does skew your math a bit but I am a fanatic about credit card points as my wife and I have traveled the world for free so yes I'd take CSR or Amex MR over points in any specific sector. Not bashing this product but its why I do not collect United Miles or Delta Miles but you collect transferrable currency so when someone changes the game, you go elsewhere. Here - the game changed it seems and you are now in their new program without much options.

I am sure there is a break even point if you spend a lot with the select wineries you'll come out ahead. If you are truly into the points game you likely have more than 1 piece of plastic in your wallet any given time!

[Won H. L e e]

Won, I am not great at math as you are but I will try.

It's 5% with a partner + 2% with the merchant where you spent the most per billing statement.
It's 3% at wineries/wine.com etc + %2 just like above.

Done carefully, you would get 7% at a partner and 5% at wine.com per month -- which could net you 4.2 cents per dollar spent with a partner and 3 cents at wine.com. That beats Sapphire, IMHO. Also, beats Chase Sapphire Reserve + Freedom Unlimited which would give you 2.25 (1.5 x 1.5) cents per dollar spent. Let's not discount $550 yearly Reserve fees.

I have only scanned the catalog of goodies. Based on some examples, Riedel Sommelier glasses would give me .6 cents/point. ProofLoyalty is at .5 cents/point.

Hilton Honors program gives me .5 cents/point. So, this is in the ballpark for redemption, a little better actually.

I had not signed up for the previous program. I don't quite understand why you are so upset at .4 cents/point. It's not great like Hyatt at 1.8-2 cents/point but it's not too far off from Hilton. And it was for free!

My belief: this card would be useful for people who spend quite a bit on wines per year. If you spend $7500 per year at partners, you will come out ahead compared to Reserve. No?

except that's not how math works. Not all points are created equal, and GRW has specified that each point is worth 0.4 cents. Therefore, you get 7 POINTS (not dollars) at the max category listed above. 7 pts *.4 cents = 2.1 cents per dollar spend. and much less elsewhere. You may get a slightly better value by aiming for specific rewards as specified, but it isn't much.

Chase reserve is priced at $450 (they don't plan to increase the cost). but you get $300 back each year, anything that is considered a travel, including hotel/flight/rental car, so it's more of $150 per yr. + more benefit than what this card offers.
Also, YMMV but many wineries I have purchased counted as dining/travel, and thereby being credited with 3 points per dollar spent; heck even garagiste wine was considered food/drink purchase, and thereby earning 3 points. Each chase pt could be valued at 1.5 cent, so that's 4.5% return. What's better option then?

Look, I am not flaming their old program. I was a fan, signed up, enjoyed it. I get it that they don't make much $$ off of it compare to the credit card, but to give customer only short notice with expiration, so take it or leave it is what left bad taste in my mouth. It felt like they were trying to hook people onto service, and then switch bait to credit card.

CSR actually did bump up their price to $550 in Jan 2020 and if you open up a browser to apply it says $550. They clawed it back with a $100 statement credit upon renewal for a time and just expanded that for another wave of those who are set to renew. Does skew your math a bit but I am a fanatic about credit card points as my wife and I have traveled the world for free so yes I'd take CSR or Amex MR over points in any specific sector. Not bashing this product but its why I do not collect United Miles or Delta Miles but you collect transferrable currency so when someone changes the game, you go elsewhere. Here - the game changed it seems and you are now in their new program without much options.

I am sure there is a break even point if you spend a lot with the select wineries you'll come out ahead. If you are truly into the points game you likely have more than 1 piece of plastic in your wallet any given time!

I am with you on the mile/point gaming world. I miss the days when I could go on mileage runs (although should i miss em?). Yes CSR did bump it to $550, but following onset of pandemic, they backed off and 2021 are gonna renew at $450. I am actually considering moving away from CSR to either citi or amex gold. CSR need to reposition itself. Nevertheless, my complaint was more than what was offered for this credit card. Rather that it felt ingenuine that they rushed people last (2020) berkserkerday to sign up for their reward system, only to drop it with short notice; take-it-or-leave-it kind of proposition is what frustrated me.

[Kedar Dubhashi]

Best redemption value is to spend whatever points you have left and get out. The company just admitted that their point is valued at 0.004 cent per. They offer 5 points per dollar spent (thereby 2% return) on their partners, 1.2% return on other wineries, wine clubs, restaurants, deliveries, and 0.8% return on everywhere else, while charging $149 per year (After 1st yr). Heck, you can get Chase Sapphire preferred and get 2% return on all wineries, dining (including takeout) and still get 1% return on everywhere else, with annual fee of 99$. I can also explain why Amex Gold and Chase Reserve is better (Despite higher fees) but I don't want to expand into that.


Why would anyone even bother signing up for this card?

Won, I am not great at math as you are but I will try.

It's 5% with a partner + 2% with the merchant where you spent the most per billing statement.
It's 3% at wineries/wine.com etc + %2 just like above.

Done carefully, you would get 7% at a partner and 5% at wine.com per month -- which could net you 4.2 cents per dollar spent with a partner and 3 cents at wine.com. That beats Sapphire, IMHO. Also, beats Chase Sapphire Reserve + Freedom Unlimited which would give you 2.25 (1.5 x 1.5) cents per dollar spent. Let's not discount $550 yearly Reserve fees.

I have only scanned the catalog of goodies. Based on some examples, Riedel Sommelier glasses would give me .6 cents/point. ProofLoyalty is at .5 cents/point.

Hilton Honors program gives me .5 cents/point. So, this is in the ballpark for redemption, a little better actually.

I had not signed up for the previous program. I don't quite understand why you are so upset at .4 cents/point. It's not great like Hyatt at 1.8-2 cents/point but it's not too far off from Hilton. And it was for free!

My belief: this card would be useful for people who spend quite a bit on wines per year. If you spend $7500 per year at partners, you will come out ahead compared to Reserve. No?

except that's not how math works. Not all points are created equal, and GRW has specified that each point is worth 0.4 cents. Therefore, you get 7 POINTS (not dollars) at the max category listed above. 7 pts *.4 cents = 2.1 cents per dollar spend. and much less elsewhere. You may get a slightly better value by aiming for specific rewards as specified, but it isn't much.

Chase reserve is priced at $450 (they don't plan to increase the cost). but you get $300 back each year, anything that is considered a travel, including hotel/flight/rental car, so it's more of $150 per yr. + more benefit than what this card offers.
Also, YMMV but many wineries I have purchased counted as dining/travel, and thereby being credited with 3 points per dollar spent; heck even garagiste wine was considered food/drink purchase, and thereby earning 3 points. Each chase pt could be valued at 1.5 cent, so that's 4.5% return. What's better option then?

Look, I am not flaming their old program. I was a fan, signed up, enjoyed it. I get it that they don't make much $$ off of it compare to the credit card, but to give customer only short notice with expiration, so take it or leave it is what left bad taste in my mouth. It felt like they were trying to hook people onto service, and then switch bait to credit card.

I think you are still missing something here. Yes, I understand that the cashback value of the expiring program is 0.4. However, redemption value for something like Riedel Sommelier is 0.6. So, 7 x 0.6 is 4.2.

In the interest of learning, how do you know beforehand that CSR would give you 3% at a winery before you make the charge?

Also, on the point of the previous program -- why not redeem whatever points you have from the old program for something you want? Whatever is left is likely too insignificant even if you were to get 0.4 cents/point.