Originally Posted by
GrandMoffJoseph
I see what you mean. In truth, I know that the other cards offer a better sign up bonus. At least at this point in time, here's my thought process/rationale:
1. The 1.2 miles per $ feature is good for 18 months. So, I could leverage that until it expires, then cancel the card when it reverts back to 1:1 earn rate.
2. It seems like 18 months is the churn period for AA personal cards, so this should work well from a timing POV too.
3. I use the AA dining program regularly, and get 5 miles per $. So, if I pay with the Amex, I get the dining bonus + 20%
4. This can all be augmented by my SPG Amex, which transfers 1:1 to AA.
So, this is the point where you all get to tell me I'm an idiot. Proceed.
1. 1.2x is not much. You would have to spend 75k to break even the 15,000 point difference
2. I would not keep a citi aa card 18 months. Cancel it before 12 months end, and apply for business aa in between
3. But AA dining would work with any AA card, not just the one u selected
4. Keep SPG for hotel redemptions
5. It is likely citi will have a "new" AA product after the merge. In the mean times, I'd maximize miles earned in shortest time.