American Express Membership Rewards - Mini App Spree Results + Advice Needed

Based on this (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-express-membership-rewards/963020-card-would-you-recommend-based-my-situation.html) thread that I posted I apped for an SPG. As stated I currently had a Blue Cash with a 25k limit and a BB store card with a 9k limit.

I apped SPG and got approved for 8k. I felt compelled for some reason to app to another card recommended (the Schwab Invest First 2% Card). Result of that was "check back in 3-7 days". I then apped for the Penfed Cashback card and was approved for 15k limit. In the process of joining Penfed I also got 87 dollars off my Auto insurance premium with Geico, and a Car loan offer for 3.99% which could come in handy in about a year or so.

My question is this. My Blue Cash is pretty much useless now. It would not convert to the SPG. And they cannot transfer limits. So I can either:

A. Apply for a 25k limit increase in 60 days on the SPG.
B. Request a CL reduction on the Blue Cash and THEN apply for the CLI on the SPG.
C. Something else I have not thought of....

What would you do?

I thnk you did pretty well. Since you're saying you're looking at spending 40K a year, that's about 3-4k a month, so 8K is a reasonable limit.

Sock drawer the blue cash card, use the heck out ofthe SPG card and apply for a CLI in 4-6 months.

Approved for the Schwab as well. 10k limit. I think I have 3 great lifetime worthy cards on my hands. Thanks for the suggestions.

Approved for the Schwab as well. 10k limit. I think I have 3 great lifetime worthy cards on my hands. Thanks for the suggestions.

congrats on getting schwab. i think it is the best card available. no annual fee, the customer service is peerless, 2% cash back on everything (make certain you link it to your schwab one account) and it has 0% forex. while the starwood amex can be good for collecting miles, amex now has a hard earned reputation of subjecting many of its best customers to adverse and punitive actions so i think you are wise to diversify with visa and collect cash in this "new" economy.

congrats on getting schwab. i think it is the best card available. no annual fee, the customer service is peerless, 2% cash back on everything (make certain you link it to your schwab one account) and it has 0% forex. while the starwood amex can be good for collecting miles, amex now has a hard earned reputation of subjecting many of its best customers to adverse and punitive actions so i think you are wise to diversify with visa and collect cash in this "new" economy.

I am planning to apply for the Schwab card as soon as my refi closes.I have affinity cards for almost every airline and hotel I use regularly,including the SPG card.Unlike most SPG users I think I am going to close it.My primary carriers are UA and CO,with WN thrown in for short trips.So transferring to airlines from SPG is not a good choice. I also rarely stay at SPG properties any longer,so gold status through spending is meaningless to me.

I plan to hold on to my WN and Marrriott Visas and my Hilton Amex,which I use until I hit gold through spending,then I plan to use the Schwab for almost everything else,especially internationally,except promos on my other cards.

I have also recently churned a few Citi AA cards and will resume once this refi is complete. I will take all the AA miles Citi will give, until their policy changes.

These days I'd feel I'd be better off with the cashback and use just enough travel related cards to keep my status and amass enough points for a free vacation each year.

Am I overlooking anything obvious with this plan?If the SPG Amex did not have a fee,I'd keep it,but it seems pointless to hold on to it otherwise.

Sounds good, just make sure you look at your travel for the coming year. You don't want to leave money on the table with the cash card vs free nights or free flights.

I am planning to apply for the Schwab card as soon as my refi closes.I have affinity cards for almost every airline and hotel I use regularly,including the SPG card.Unlike most SPG users I think I am going to close it.My primary carriers are UA and CO,with WN thrown in for short trips.So transferring to airlines from SPG is not a good choice. I also rarely stay at SPG properties any longer,so gold status through spending is meaningless to me.

I plan to hold on to my WN and Marrriott Visas and my Hilton Amex,which I use until I hit gold through spending,then I plan to use the Schwab for almost everything else,especially internationally,except promos on my other cards.

I have also recently churned a few Citi AA cards and will resume once this refi is complete. I will take all the AA miles Citi will give, until their policy changes.

These days I'd feel I'd be better off with the cashback and use just enough travel related cards to keep my status and amass enough points for a free vacation each year.

Am I overlooking anything obvious with this plan?If the SPG Amex did not have a fee,I'd keep it,but it seems pointless to hold on to it otherwise.

What makes you like the Hilton Amex over the SPG?

What makes you like the Hilton Amex over the SPG?

The SPG transfer for UA and CO is a 2:1 rate,unlike the other airlines that are 1:1. I have enough miles from flying UA and CO, so I try to concentrate my spending on hotel cards. As I stated,I am rarely in SPG hotels,so the HH Amex makes more sense for me-and there is no annual fee for the regular card.

I keep the other cards for use only at Marriott properties and Southwest tickets,except when I need to add credits to reach CP on WN-then I will use it for other purchases.

Of course, I will occasionally be offered a promo that interests me,then I will change my pattern if it is beneficial.

If you do not need to transfer to UA or CO,then the SPG is a great card,especially if you can maximize it's use.