US Airways 2011 Grand Slam Promotion - Is now the time to sign up for the US Air CC?

What say ye?

What say ye?

Aye.:p

maybe

The hits are for the use of the card, not the application/activation. I am personally in the process of getting the BofA checking account setup so the debit card will be active during the first weeks of the promotion. That is turning into a stereotypical delay filled mess.

The hits are for the use of the card, not the application/activation. I am personally in the process of getting the BofA checking account setup so the debit card will be active during the first weeks of the promotion. That is turning into a stereotypical delay filled mess.

Just a datapoint from last year. It took me 2 months for the debit account to post. BOA always post on the 1st of each month. There are 2-3 business days for posting to US Air. It all depends on how your account is set.

Some dates from last year. Signed for BOA Debit in Sep. Did transaction immediately. My miles did not post on Oct 1st because my account was not setup correctly. I called 3 times in Oct, before they confirmed my posting will be posting OK for Nov.

When this activity posts, it does not post back dated. It posts as Nov 1st or Oct 1st of the month it posts to US Air. If you are on sidelines, I would say move today for a Oct posting.

Does BoA do a hard pull for new checking accounts? I have no BoA cards or accounts but I'd sign up for the debit card but not if it requires a hard pull.

Does anyone know when how soon the credit card posts?
I know the debit card, the hit is for charges in the previous month, so oct 31 is the deadline for a debit card hit.

But for the credit card, does your statement close date effect when the hit posts to us airways?

Does BoA do a hard pull for new checking accounts? I have no BoA cards or accounts but I'd sign up for the debit card but not if it requires a hard pull.

No, you shouldn't receive a hard pull for a checking account since you're not applying for credit.

No, you shouldn't receive a hard pull for a checking account since you're not applying for credit.

Hmm, well according to the below link it seems like some people get a hard pull, others do not:

http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/931709/

I've never had any dealings with Bank of America, but from what I see a checking account is free if you only use ATM's and online statements/e-banking, and there's no minimum. The US Airways debit card is $30 but gives you 3000 miles after first use, so it's slightly better than free (since you can buy miles at 1.5 cents/mile).

Sounds like a winner to me! Would love to hear some personal stories about whether there's a hard pull or not.

As of yet no credit pull, sometimes they post later on. If there is a hard pull I'll let you guys know. I'm guessing no hard pull for the debit card, been keeping an eye on my credit pulls since I applied.

As of yet no credit pull, sometimes they post later on. If there is a hard pull I'll let you guys know. I'm guessing no hard pull for the debit card, been keeping an eye on my credit pulls since I applied.

Just out of curiosity did you already have a BOA credit card? From reading just now it seems they've run promos in the past to get CC users to open checking account, and those never resulted in a hard pull. It could be if you're entirely new to BOA they will do a hard pull for a checking account, but if you already have a credit line with them they won't.

Just out of curiosity did you already have a BOA credit card? From reading just now it seems they've run promos in the past to get CC users to open checking account, and those never resulted in a hard pull. It could be if you're entirely new to BOA they will do a hard pull for a checking account, but if you already have a credit line with them they won't.

Already had an existing checking account with them. Just needed to link my account to the new debit/visa card. In the past I did have a Us Air Visa card, but they sold it over to Barclays which I cancelled shortly after. Hope this helps.

But why not the Barclays CC with 40,000 miles?

Already had an existing checking account with them. Just needed to link my account to the new debit/visa card. In the past I did have a Us Air Visa card, but they sold it over to Barclays which I cancelled shortly after. Hope this helps.

Does the debit card still have the $30 annual fee/3000 mile bonus? If so, that's actually not too bad for a hit. How long did it take to receive the card if already an existing account holder?

And you shouldn't have a credit pull since it's a debit card, but good to keep an eye on it in case.

Does the debit card still have the $30 annual fee/3000 mile bonus? If so, that's actually not too bad for a hit. How long did it take to receive the card if already an existing account holder?

And you shouldn't have a credit pull since it's a debit card, but good to keep an eye on it in case.

Yes, 30.00 annual fee plus 3000.00 bonus miles. Took 7 days from application date to my door.

Barclays US Air CC is actually a good card to have. See my review (http://drcreditcard.weebly.com/barclays-us-airways.html) if interested.

What is even better is the up to 60K miles offer:
http://www.mostmiles.com/apply/Landing.action?campaignId=1465&cellNumber=163
Note that through this offer, you get 10K per anniversary which makes it a no-brainer to keep for future Gland Slams.

The only concern is that it is reported that Barclays may give you a crappy version with less signup bonus.

But why not the Barclays CC with 40,000 miles?

What is even better is the up to 60K miles offer:
http://www.mostmiles.com/apply/Landing.action?campaignId=1465&cellNumber=163
Note that through this offer, you get 10K per anniversary which makes it a no-brainer to keep for future Gland Slams.

The only concern is that it is reported that Barclays may give you a crappy version with less signup bonus.

Thanks leonard016, thats the best offer I've seen. I recently received a similar offer in the mail, but it offered 0% introductory, 10,000 less miles, and no 10,000 annual bonus. I'd rather have the annual bonus instead of the intro APR.

I've got a Baraclays US Air card and obviously want to get the hit for using it during the GS... So, what is the date that the hit goes by? Is it the purchase date? Statement date? Some other post date?

I'm just curious because it's certainly not my "main" card and I want to make sure that I make the purchase at the right time to get the hit.

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks a lot!

The miles post a few days after your statement date.

The miles post a few days after your statement date.
And that's when it is considered a "hit" also? Basically the statement date?

Thanks!

Barclays US Air CC is actually a good card to have. See my review (http://drcreditcard.weebly.com/barclays-us-airways.html) if interested.

What is even better is the up to 60K miles offer:
http://www.mostmiles.com/apply/Landing.action?campaignId=1465&cellNumber=163
Note that through this offer, you get 10K per anniversary which makes it a no-brainer to keep for future Gland Slams.

The only concern is that it is reported that Barclays may give you a crappy version with less signup bonus.

Def the 10,000 renewal is a no brainer. Cheaper than buying miles

And that's when it is considered a "hit" also? Basically the statement date?Correct. It may be off by a day or two.

FWIW I applied last week and just got an email offering paperless statements.

My card has yet to arrive, but I guess it will be here in the next day or so.

That 60K offer with the 10K on anniversaries is a great deal.

But all of these offers include 10K for a balance transfer. So, really, the 40K is 30K, and this 60K is a 50K.

My plan is to wait until October to get this card, so that my first annual fee will cover two GSes. If there's a GS next year, then I'll get a charge in September to show up and count, before I have to pay the annual fee.

But all of these offers include 10K for a balance transfer. So, really, the 40K is 30K, and this 60K is a 50K.

My plan is to wait until October to get this card, so that my first annual fee will cover two GSes. If there's a GS next year, then I'll get a charge in September to show up and count, before I have to pay the annual fee.

D'oh, I wish I had read this before signing up for the card yesterday. But if there's a GS next year and I decide to participate, $89 annual fee for 10K miles doesn't seem so bad.

Barclays US Air CC is actually a good card to have. See my review (http://drcreditcard.weebly.com/barclays-us-airways.html) if interested.

What is even better is the up to 60K miles offer:
http://www.mostmiles.com/apply/Landing.action?campaignId=1465&cellNumber=163
Note that through this offer, you get 10K per anniversary which makes it a no-brainer to keep for future Gland Slams.

The only concern is that it is reported that Barclays may give you a crappy version with less signup bonus.
Unfortunately, the final application process review for the 60k promotion appears to be broken or disabled now. I tried Thursday and again today and each time got an error page after completing all of the requested information on the application form and submitting.

Anyone else having this issue?

Barclays US Air CC is actually a good card to have. See my review (http://drcreditcard.weebly.com/barclays-us-airways.html) if interested.

What is even better is the up to 60K miles offer:
http://www.mostmiles.com/apply/Landing.action?campaignId=1465&cellNumber=163
Note that through this offer, you get 10K per anniversary which makes it a no-brainer to keep for future Gland Slams.

The only concern is that it is reported that Barclays may give you a crappy version with less signup bonus.

Can you sign up for this bonus if you have ever had the card in the past?

Opened BoA account online with initial deposit from other debit card 8/23
After some security issues received regular BoA debit card 9/2
requested US Airways $30 fee debit card online 9/2
received US debit card 9/10
first purchase 9/10
first posting TBD, expecting end of the month per previous posts

Unfortunately, the final application process review for the 60k promotion appears to be broken or disabled now. I tried Thursday and again today and each time got an error page after completing all of the requested information on the application form and submitting.

Anyone else having this issue?

Worked last night for my friend.

Can you sign up for this bonus if you have ever had the card in the past?

A few people reported being able to do so.

Unfortunately, the final application process review for the 60k promotion appears to be broken or disabled now. I tried Thursday and again today and each time got an error page after completing all of the requested information on the application form and submitting.

Anyone else having this issue?

Try a different browser version. :) IE worked for me.

Yeah, I finally relented and signed up for a US Air CC. I should get the bonus miles and also the hit, so I'm looking forward to it!

Try a different browser version. :) IE worked for me.
Got it to work for me over the weekend with Chrome ... IE was what I was having problems with. Thanks.

BTW, we can get a double hit on this right? So if I use my new MasterCard to purchase something from one of the partners, I'll get the hit for using the card and the hit for the partner transaction, right? As an added bonus I'll get the first use bonus on the card itself. This sound correct?

BTW, we can get a double hit on this right? So if I use my new MasterCard to purchase something from one of the partners, I'll get the hit for using the card and the hit for the partner transaction, right? As an added bonus I'll get the first use bonus on the card itself. This sound correct?

Yes.

So just when I was contemplating whether it was worth the trouble to open a B of A account, just to get the debit card hit, I see this:

Bank of America to charge $5/month for debit cards (http://news.yahoo.com/bank-america-charge-5-month-debit-cards-163545667.html)

So just when I was contemplating whether it was worth the trouble to open a B of A account, just to get the debit card hit, I see this:

Bank of America to charge $5/month for debit cards (http://news.yahoo.com/bank-america-charge-5-month-debit-cards-163545667.html)

eeeeeeek! Thanks for helping me make my mind up too!

eeeeeeek! Thanks for helping me make my mind up too!

Yep, I really don't know why anyone will use the debit card now when the credit card yearly fee is basically the same price.....

On a side note, I've had the US Mastercard for a couple of weeks now and have no idea when my next statement (for miles posting) is. It doesn't say it on the website and I'm curious how often I'll have to wait for the hit and the 40k bonus miles to post!

Can you sign up for this bonus if you have ever had the card in the past?

Worked for me.

So just when I was contemplating whether it was worth the trouble to open a B of A account, just to get the debit card hit, I see this:

Bank of America to charge $5/month for debit cards (http://news.yahoo.com/bank-america-charge-5-month-debit-cards-163545667.html)

The $5 monthly charge is only when you use your debit card for shopping purchases. There is no Charge for using it at a Bank of America ATM for cash.

The monthly charge won't happen till early 2012 so you can pay the $30 annual fee for the U.S. Airways dividend miles debit card, receive 3000 miles and a "hit" for 1st purchase. Then come December, switch back to a "regular' B of A debit card so you don't have to pay annual fee.

This is what i am planning on doing.

So can anyone post a chronology of the credit card? I just reread the thread and I can only find debit card dates and timing.

I'm trying to put off an application as long as I can, and still get a hit for the US GS. I'm sure it's still safe now, but as we get close to the one-month-left point, I'll get more worried.

Has anyone had success shortening their billing cycle by changing the date?

You can change your statement date online with the business card, but I haven't tried on the personal card.

When I received my personal U.S. airways credit card, I called the CS number and requested an earlier closing statement date. I was given 3 choices of dates. I didn't choose the earliest one as I thought I would miss the purchase from pending to activity within 3 days. Stopped my In and Out burger and made the 1st purchase with my card. I could have made the 1st choice date.

I had to phone-order my BofA US Airways Debit Card as the online site would not work with my account and I could only do it today because of the time needed. I might not get it for 2 weeks :(

However, I looked at my statement dates and noticed that they post on the 11th or 12th of each month. Hopefully, that means that they will post before the Nov 14 deadline if I can't get the October statement ...

From the small print in US Air DM Credit Card cardmember agreement:

To continue to participate in the rewards program, your account must remain open and in good standing, you must maintain your creditworthiness and you must use your card for at least one (1) purchase transcation every six (6) months (or have some type of account balance every six months). Failure to meet these requirements may result in account closure and forfeiture of all outstanding miles earned. In addition, if your payment is late in a particular billing cycle, this may result in the forfeiture of miles earned in that billing cycle. If your miles are forfeited for any reason, we will not reinstate these miles to your account.

Based on those with BofA prior US debit card experiences, is it too late to apply for the card, receive the card, use the card and have the miles post by November 14th?

If not, I factor in the cost of the hit (possibly a 2nd for next year) as the $30 plus about another $10 for spends at the 6 month point and then again next GS period (assuming its allowed for a hit in GS12).

If you already have a checking account with B of A, it shouldn't be a problem. I can't remember exactly but my debit card arrived within 7 to 8 business day. Once received, i immediately used it for snack at McDonalds.

If not, I factor in the cost of the hit (possibly a 2nd for next year) as the $30 plus about another $10 for spends at the 6 month point and then again next GS period (assuming its allowed for a hit in GS12).

I thought the 6-month rule is only for the credit card ...

That said, I think I'm going to keep my US Air MC open, despite the $89 fee. I don't know if it's churnable for the bonus, but 10,000 miles every year for $89 is a pretty good deal.

That said, I think I'm going to keep my US Air MC open, despite the $89 fee. I don't know if it's churnable for the bonus, but 10,000 miles every year for $89 is a pretty good deal.
There is discussion of both issues -- churnability and value of keeping the card -- in two somewhat duplicative threads:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/milesbuzz/1182580-fee-waived-no-spend-us-air-card-40k-55k-benies.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/us-airways-dividend-miles/1242597-us-airways-mastercard-50-000-bonus-points-40-000-easy.html

Just applied and got approved. Tiny credit line, but that seems to be the way it is for me these days. It's fine because it's enough for the one charge I'll need on it. I hate to say it, but I'll likely never use it after that, or if I do need to use it once every six months, just the bare minimum.

I didn't realize I get a discount on redeeming miles if I have the card also. That's pretty sweet. They say it takes 5,000 miles off a 25,000 mile reward redemption. Even if it just takes 5,000 miles off a 100,000 mile reward redemption also, that, plus the 10,000 miles annual bonus, will make this card easily worth the $89 annual fee.

Now I just hope my statement closes soon enough to get me in under the wire for the Grand Slam.

I didn't realize I get a discount on redeeming miles if I have the card also. That's pretty sweet. They say it takes 5,000 miles off a 25,000 mile reward redemption.
They say it, and it's true. Officially, the discount applies only to awards entirely on US metal, although at least one person claims to have received the discount on a partner award. YMMV.

Back on topic: does anyone think we need two separate threads dealing with the US CC/debit card hits (as we now have)?

Back on topic: does anyone think we need two separate threads dealing with the US CC/debit card hits (as we now have)?

Probably safe to combine as the time to apply is quickly closing. "The 5 Credit Card Hits" is the more appealing surviving thread title.

Thanks for all you are doing.

Just applied and got approved. Tiny credit line, but that seems to be the way it is for me these days. It's fine because it's enough for the one charge I'll need on it. I hate to say it, but I'll likely never use it after that, or if I do need to use it once every six months, just the bare minimum.

I didn't realize I get a discount on redeeming miles if I have the card also. That's pretty sweet. They say it takes 5,000 miles off a 25,000 mile reward redemption. Even if it just takes 5,000 miles off a 100,000 mile reward redemption also, that, plus the 10,000 miles annual bonus, will make this card easily worth the $89 annual fee.

Now I just hope my statement closes soon enough to get me in under the wire for the Grand Slam.

I also got a tiny credit line - I think it's Barclay's M.O. Frankly, this is not going to be an everyday card for me either, so no biggie.

Also, the 5K miles discount is only for US Airways awards, not for *A awards. Although it's still a great deal, as with the mileage sales, you can get a domestic Y award for under $300, which is great if awards are available and paid tix are much more.

I just got billed the $30 for the debit card....hasn't posted to US and no sign of the 3000 miles. Anyone have it post yet?

I've also had the CC for a few weeks and the website doesn't show a payment due date for the first statement. Am I going to get an email after it's been one month, or do I need to call them?
I've met the spending requirements for both of them

I just got billed the $30 for the debit card....hasn't posted to US and no sign of the 3000 miles. Anyone have it post yet?


I had my first checking statement as US debit holder close 9/27, fee for the card was deducted today 10/4. From the other posts I have read the miles from usage should post sometime today.

With the 5K discount, and the 10K renewal miles for $89, that's basically a transcon every two years for $178. That's not too bad, and doesn't even take into account the signup miles (40K) and the Grand Slam hit for this year, and hopefully more going forward (up to 5K value for each of those).

So now I'm trying to convince myself NOT to sign up for my wife also.

Couldn't help myself. My wife is getting a card also. Even smaller credit limit, though.

Applied for this card 9/23, got a message that I'd receive an answer within ten days, checked online at Barclay's today (I already have a Barclay's Choice Visa), and there was a message telling me I could activate my card--which hasn't arrived in the mail yet.

This does look like a promising card. Annual bonus and a 5000-mile redemption on any award on US metal are good benefits. I have the AA cards as well and their reduced mileage awards are 17.5K apiece but with a limited and seasonally changing set of destinations.

Now, to get the card activated so I can get my hit!

So do y'all think it's too late to get the US CC now? I'm assuming so. BUT what if I change the billing cycle to the earliest possible?

Is there even any hope? Yea or nay?

Thanks!

Here's my timeline:

10/4 - Applied for card
10/13 - Received card and used it
10/15 - US WORLD CARD: FIRST USE BONUS and US WORLD CARD: EVERYDAY PURCHASES both posted to my US Airways DM account

So, amazingly, 11 days from application, I had the miles.

In short, you should have plenty of time. I can't really tell, but I feel like they purposely close the first statement right away so you can get the bonus fast.

Moreover, I did one of these for myself and one for my wife, and each followed the exact same timeline. I'm not sure if we got lucky on the statement end dates or not.

A word of caution with the Barclay's DM MC.

I opened an account online, provided my DM# and received my card fairly quickly. I used the card, and saw my rewards balance online. The miles don't post until after the statement closing date. My account closed, but I never saw my purchase miles or my first use bonus in my DM account, nor did I see the DMS icon on my profile. I called DM service center and they told me that Barclay's set up a new DM account for me and my miles went in there. They stated this happens all the time. The customer service person said she merged that account and brought the miles over and also notified the bank of the DM account # change.

While I see my balance went up, I can't actually see the activity on my account, so I'm very concerned that I won't get the hits, which is the whole reason I opened the account. My next closing date wasn't until 11/15, so it would be past the close of GS. I called and had my statement closing date to the 4th of the month, and the next one will be Nov. 4th (I hope). So I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

I also was able to get my 5k discount on an award flight, so an added bonus!

No question here, just a story to make people aware of potential pitfalls. =)

So where do I get the club vouchers and the companion certificate? Are they electronic, or will they be coming in the mail?

A word of caution with the Barclay's DM MC.

I opened an account online, provided my DM# and received my card fairly quickly. I used the card, and saw my rewards balance online. The miles don't post until after the statement closing date. My account closed, but I never saw my purchase miles or my first use bonus in my DM account, nor did I see the DMS icon on my profile. I called DM service center and they told me that Barclay's set up a new DM account for me and my miles went in there. They stated this happens all the time. The customer service person said she merged that account and brought the miles over and also notified the bank of the DM account # change.

While I see my balance went up, I can't actually see the activity on my account, so I'm very concerned that I won't get the hits, which is the whole reason I opened the account. My next closing date wasn't until 11/15, so it would be past the close of GS. I called and had my statement closing date to the 4th of the month, and the next one will be Nov. 4th (I hope). So I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

I also was able to get my 5k discount on an award flight, so an added bonus!

No question here, just a story to make people aware of potential pitfalls. =)
See http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/17255079-post72.html. I was referring to the debit card, but I suspect that same would apply to the credit card.

So where do I get the club vouchers and the companion certificate? Are they electronic, or will they be coming in the mail?
In the mail, as paper vouchers.

Here's my timeline:

10/4 - Applied for card
10/13 - Received card and used it
10/15 - US WORLD CARD: FIRST USE BONUS and US WORLD CARD: EVERYDAY PURCHASES both posted to my US Airways DM account

So, amazingly, 11 days from application, I had the miles.

In short, you should have plenty of time. I can't really tell, but I feel like they purposely close the first statement right away so you can get the bonus fast.

Moreover, I did one of these for myself and one for my wife, and each followed the exact same timeline. I'm not sure if we got lucky on the statement end dates or not.

I applied on 9/26. I received the card and activated it on 10/4, made a purchase on 10/5, paid it on 10/10 and am still waiting on the points to arrive and the statement to close.

I have double checked and the account is correct. I also have the DMS ond 5,000 point discount notated on my DM account.

Edit:
My card did close on 10/22 and the miles posted today (+bonus), so that was 28 days from applying to posting.

See http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/17255079-post72.html. I was referring to the debit card, but I suspect that same would apply to the credit card.

Let's keep those fingers crossed I suppose.

Update (10/25/2011): I should have exactly 16 hits posted with the credit card activity that isn't showm and I did get my 16th hit in the sweep today. Yay!