Credit Card Programs - Which cards should I apply along with SPG?

Hi, everyone.

Flyertalk Newbie here!

I would like to ask a few questions before applying for credit cards.

I currently own Chase Freedom, Ink Bold, Sapphire Preferred, and AMEX blue cash. Although I was quite happy with the AMEX blue cash before when I was oblivious to the whole points and miles games, I realized cash back is generally worse than points and miles. I especially felt about the real values of points strongly when I found out about the UR points and I managed to garner around 250,000 UR points. That is roughly two RT first class plane tickets to Korea from NYC which can be valued at $10,000-15,000 per ticket.

So I decided to ditch my AMEX blue cash and apply for the AMEX SPG with the new 30,000 promotion to go for the precious SPG points. While I'm at it, I wanted to maximize my sign-up bonuses with 1 inquiry. So here are my questions.

1) Which credit cards would you recommend me to apply along with the AMEX spg? I do not have any particular allegiance to any hotel or mileage program. So I just want to take advantage of a GOOD DEAL and maybe start building up on it. I'm currently considering Two-browser trick Citi-AA credit cards with $50,000 bonus. But could you recommend some other cards as well? I want to stay away from the Chase credit cards for now. And I do not have problems with the spending limit since I learned a few tricks reading this board and other blogs.

2) Most of my recent credit cards applications pulled from Experian. The latest one is for Chase Sapphire Preferred on Apr 4th. And most of the credit cards issues by the banks in NJ pulls from Experian. So would a red flag go up if I apply 2-3 credit cards that pull from the same credit bureau?

3) If I apply on the same day from two banks (AMEX and CITI) that pull from the same credit bureau, would that be considered as one hard pull or two hard pulls?

4) Considering no allegiance to any program, which points would you consider more valuable? Hilton HHonor or AA miles? The reason why I'm asking is I'm actually considering to apply for both Hawaiian Miles Cards from BofA and Hawaiian Bank since their 35,000 points transfer to Hilton Honors 70,000 points. So I'm comparing between 140,000 HHonor points vs 100,000 AA miles. In my cursory view, it looks like 140,000 HHonor points might be more valuable, but I'm new to this game.

5) Regarding the SPG or other Hotel programs, would it be smarter to consolidate all the points into an account for each hotel program? My sister already has an AMEX SPG and a SPG account. I was wondering if it would be better if I also use her account number when I apply for my AMEX SPG. I'm guessing the upside is we can gather more points faster and thus can take advantage of more "luxurious" hotels. But I'm not so sure if she can book hotel rooms under my name or under another family member's name. If that's not possible, it's better for each family member to have their own SPG account.

I'm so sorry for these multiple questions, but I would definitely appreciate if you could give an advice.

Thank you.

Hi, everyone.

1) Which credit cards would you recommend me to apply along with the AMEX spg? I do not have any particular allegiance to any hotel or mileage program. So I just want to take advantage of a GOOD DEAL and maybe start building up on it. I'm currently considering Two-browser trick Citi-AA credit cards with $50,000 bonus. But could you recommend some other cards as well? I want to stay away from the Chase credit cards for now. And I do not have problems with the spending limit since I learned a few tricks reading this board and other blogs.

How about maybe considering some of these the AA one's would be nice too:
Barclay US Airways 40K miles after first spend
50k SW points personal $1k in 3 months, $69
50k SW points business $1k in 3 months, $69



2) Most of my recent credit cards applications pulled from Experian. The latest one is for Chase Sapphire Preferred on Apr 4th. And most of the credit cards issues by the banks in NJ pulls from Experian. So would a red flag go up if I apply 2-3 credit cards that pull from the same credit bureau?


Really depends on your length of credit and score.


3) If I apply on the same day from two banks (AMEX and CITI) that pull from the same credit bureau, would that be considered as one hard pull or two hard pulls?


Believe you get two pulls but they won't see each other if you do it the same day.


4) Considering no allegiance to any program, which points would you consider more valuable? Hilton HHonor or AA miles? The reason why I'm asking is I'm actually considering to apply for both Hawaiian Miles Cards from BofA and Hawaiian Bank since their 35,000 points transfer to Hilton Honors 70,000 points. So I'm comparing between 140,000 HHonor points vs 100,000 AA miles. In my cursory view, it looks like 140,000 HHonor points might be more valuable, but I'm new to this game.

It really depends, what do you need more of airline miles or hotel? Does AA have a hub out of your local airport? Are there Hilton hotels at the destinations you will be at the next year or two?



5) Regarding the SPG or other Hotel programs, would it be smarter to consolidate all the points into an account for each hotel program? My sister already has an AMEX SPG and a SPG account. I was wondering if it would be better if I also use her account number when I apply for my AMEX SPG. I'm guessing the upside is we can gather more points faster and thus can take advantage of more "luxurious" hotels. But I'm not so sure if she can book hotel rooms under my name or under another family member's name. If that's not possible, it's better for each family member to have their own SPG account.


Thank you.

Most important thing is make sure she referrers you, that's a free 5000 points. I would keep it separate personally. Keep the points on your card until you are ready to transfer as you may not use the SPG account to transfer you can also use airlines if you needed to in a pinch and that can be useful even though they are more valuable as starwood points it's nice to be flexible too.

I'm so sorry for these multiple questions, but I would definitely appreciate if you could give an advice.

Altoid, your answers to 4 and 5 are within the quotes, I didn't see them at first.

1. AAx2 is a good choice, as is the USAir card. Maybe a BoA card such as the Virgin Atlantic?

4 (Re: HH vs AA) In the end it depends on how you use them, but I think most people would consider AA miles to be vastly superior in value to HH points (maybe 3x the value). I'd definitely prioritize the AA miles.

5. I'm almost certain that the name on the SPG account has to match the primary cardholder name. But in any case, SPG points are valuable enough that 30k points will get you a night anywhere. Also, make sure your sister refers you for the 5k extra points for her.

It depends in some amount on what kind of spend you can meet. The SPG is already $5K in 6 months, which isn't bad. But add in a few cards (especially 2x browser tricks) and that number goes up quickly. The USAir card is always a good option, because there's no spend requirement.

If spend is not a problem, then:

2x AA
2x SW (Bus/Per) -- Or, alternatively, 1x UA card
1x USAir
1x SPG

You could also consider doing 2x SPG (Business/Personal).

I'd definitely value AA points way higher than HH points. Probably at least 2:1, if not 3:1. However, HH points are way easier to get. Also, I don't think you can get a card in your name but have the points go to your sister's account. You should, however, have her refer you.

So much of this, though, depends on what you find valuable and what your travel preferences are.

Don't mean to gank your thread OP, but would amex approve two different personal cards in 1 day? I want the SPG and the Hilton card.

4 (Re: HH vs AA) In the end it depends on how you use them, but I think most people would consider AA miles to be vastly superior in value to HH points (maybe 3x the value). I'd definitely prioritize the AA miles.

5. I'm almost certain that the name on the SPG account has to match the primary cardholder name. But in any case, SPG points are valuable enough that 30k points will get you a night anywhere. Also, make sure your sister refers you for the 5k extra points for her.

Re #4: AA is most certainly superior to HH. I believe that AA transfers to HH 1:2 , so that in itself shows that it's more valuable, but even by itself AA is of higher value.

Re #5: This is correct. You cannot earn points on an SPG card in your name and have it go to your sister's SPG account. When you open the card, if you don't have an existing SPG account they will open one up for you. If you and your sister live in the same household (i.e. have the same address) you will be able to transfer points between the two accounts - and it is now possible to request this transfer online. Your sister should send you a referral so that she earns the 5k bonus points.

If spend is not an issue, I would apply for the Amex Gold Biz with the 75k bonus points after $10k of spend.

Don't mean to gank your thread OP, but would amex approve two different personal cards in 1 day? I want the SPG and the Hilton card.

I just tried yesterday. The first was instantly approved. The second required a call where I found it was put on hold for 5 days for fraud prevention. The CSR said it shouldn't be a problem to get it approved, but we'll see when I call back in a few days.