Jan 2, 2017, 9:16 am
Last edit by: yugi
Ways to get high rewards or bonus on credit card spending:
1. sign-on bonus, miles, UR or MR points, free nights and cash rewards
2. on-going rewards, points or cashback
3. spending bonus for extra points/$ or status, like spending $10,000 to get extra 20k points etc.
Cards with large spending bonus: (alphabetical)
AmEx Delta Skymiles Gold: $25,000 MQD waived for elite status
AmEx HH Ascend: $40,000 to Diamond
Barclay Aviator Red: $25,000 for $3,000 EQD
BofA Merrill +: $50,000 for additional $200 travel credit
Chase Ritz Carlton: $10,000 to renew Gold status. Subject to change from 8/1/2018
Chase United MileagePlus Explorer: $25,000 for 10,000 United miles
A lot more to list...
Cards that earn better than 1 airline mile (or points convertible 1:1 to airline miles) per dollar: (alphabetical)
Amex Blue Business Plus - 2x MRs on up to $50k per year. No AF, FTF.
Amex Blue for Business - 1.3x MRs (Another card needed in order to transfer, such as Amex ED/EDP/PRG/BGR/Plat etc). No AF, FTF. Discontinued, replaced by BBP.
Amex Business Platinum - 1.5x for charges over $5,000 up to 1M extra points ($2M spend) AF $450, no FTF. Many other perks.
Amex EveryDay - 1.2x if you make 20+ charges per cycle. No AF, FTF.
Amex EveryDay Preferred - 1.5x if you make 30+ charges per cycle. AF $95, FTF.
Bank of America Virgin Atlantic MasterCard - 1.5x VS miles, 2x if you spend $15k per year, 2.1x if you spend $25k per year. AF $90, no FTF.
Bank of America Air France KLM Mastercard - 1.5x AF miles. AF $89, no FTF.
Barclaycard Arrival Premier - 1.43x for all partners except JAL, AC (1.18x). You will get 2.14x on all partners except JAL, AC (1.76x), if you spend $15k or $25k per year. AF $150, FYF, no FTF. Discontinued.
Capital One Venture X Visa - 2x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. AF $395, no FTF, many other perks.
Capital One Spark Miles Business Visa - 2x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture Visa - 2x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture One Visa - 1.25x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. no AF, no FTF.
Capital One Spark Miles Select Business Visa - 1.5x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. No AF, no FTF.
Chase Freedom Unlimited Visa - 1.5x URs (Another card needed in order to transfer, such as CSR/CSP/Ink Plus/Ink Bold/Ink Preferred). No AF, FTF.
Chase Ink Unlimited Business Visa - 1.5x URs, Same as Freedom Unlimited
Citi Double Cash MC - 2x TYP. You need a premium Citi card, (Premier, Prestige or Chairman) to transfer to partners other than JetBlue at 1:1 ratio. No AF, FTF.
Cards that earn hotel points
Amex Hilton Honors - 3x HH points, no AF, no FTF
Amex Hilton Honors Surpass - 3x HH points, AF $95, no FTF, some perks
Amex Hilton Honors Business - 3x HH points, AF $95, no FTF, some perks
Amex Hilton Honors Aspire - 3x HH points, AF $450, no FTF, lots of perks.
Amex Bonvoy - 2x Marriott points. AF $95, FYF, no FTF. Discontinued.
Amex Bonvoy Business - same as Amex Bonvoy. AF $125, no FTF.
Amex Bonvoy Brilliant - same as Amex Bonvoy. AF $450
Barclaycard Choice Privileges Visa - 2x on everything. No AF, FTF.
Barclaycard Wyndham Rewards Visa - 2x (grandfathered versions 2x on everything). AF $69/$0, FTF.
Chase Bonvoy Boundless Visa - same as Amex Bonvoy.
Chase IHG Traveler MC - 2x on everything. No AF, no FTF.
Chase IHG Premier/Premier Business MC - 3x on everything. AF $99, no FTF.
Chase Ritz-Carlton Visa Infinite - same as Amex Bonvoy. AF $450, no FTF. Discontinued, but can be obtained via PC from another Chase Bonvoy card.
FNBO Best Western Rewards Premium MC - 2x BW points. AF $59, no FTF
FNBO Best Western Rewards MC - 2x BW points. No AF, no FTF
2%+ Cashback Cards: (by % amount)
US Bank Altitude Reserve Visa - 4.5% towards travel (cashout possible), if you use Android Pay, Samsung Pay, Apple Pay or LG Pay for in-person, in-app or online purchases. AF $400, no FTF, many other perks.
Barclaycard Priceline Rewards Visa (grandfathered 2x/5x version) - 3.33% if redeemed against Priceline or travel purchases, 2% if redeemed for everything else. No AF, no FTF.
AOD CU Visa Signature - 3% on everything. No AF, no FTF. Discontinued.
Synchrony Paypal Cashback Mastercard - 3% if paid with Paypal, 2% everywhere else, no AF, FTF.
Barclaycard Arrival Premier MC - 3% if you spend exactly $15k or $25k, 2%, if you spend less than $15k. AF $150, FYF, no FTF, some perks. Discontinued.
Bank of America Travel Rewards Visa (with Platinum (Honors) Preferred Rewards) - 2.25/2.625%. No AF, no FTF.
Bank of America Premium Rewards Visa (with Platinum (Honors) Preferred Rewards) - 2.25/2.625%. AF $95, no FTF, some perks.
Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Visa (with Platinum (Honors) Preferred Rewards) - 2.25/2.625%. AF $550, no FTF, many other perks.
USAA Limitless Cashback Rewards Visa - 2.5% (must be USAA member, with $1k direct deposit per month). no AF. Discontinued.
Alliant Cashback Visa Signature - 2.5% up to $10k per cycle, if you have $1k on your checking account. No AF, no FTF.
Barclaycard Arrival Plus MasterCard - 2.1% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $89, no FTF. Discontinued.
Discover it Miles - 3% (first year only, 1.5% after that). No AF, no FTF.
Exactly 2% Cashback Cards: (alphabetical)
Amex Blue Business Cash - 2% on up to $50k per year. No AF, FTF.
BBVA Compass Rewards Visa - 2%, if you receive $1000 in direct deposits per month to checking account. No AF.
Blispay Visa - 2%. No AF.
Citi Double Cash MasterCard - 2%. No AF, FTF.
Capital One Spark Cash Business Visa - 2%. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Spark Miles Business Visa - 2% if redeemed for travel. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture Visa - 2% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture X Visa - 2% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $395, no FTF, many other perks.
Fidelity Rewards Visa - 2%. No AF.
PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa (with Honors Advantage) - 2%. No AF, no FTF.
PNC Premier Traveler Visa - 2% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $85, FYF, no FTF.
State Department Federal CU Premium Cashback+ Visa - 2%, no AF, no FTF.
Synchrony Paypal Cashback MC - 2% for non-PayPal purchases, no AF, FTF.
Too many to list.
1. sign-on bonus, miles, UR or MR points, free nights and cash rewards
2. on-going rewards, points or cashback
3. spending bonus for extra points/$ or status, like spending $10,000 to get extra 20k points etc.
Cards with large spending bonus: (alphabetical)
AmEx Delta Skymiles Gold: $25,000 MQD waived for elite status
AmEx HH Ascend: $40,000 to Diamond
Barclay Aviator Red: $25,000 for $3,000 EQD
BofA Merrill +: $50,000 for additional $200 travel credit
Chase Ritz Carlton: $10,000 to renew Gold status. Subject to change from 8/1/2018
Chase United MileagePlus Explorer: $25,000 for 10,000 United miles
A lot more to list...
Cards that earn better than 1 airline mile (or points convertible 1:1 to airline miles) per dollar: (alphabetical)
Amex Blue Business Plus - 2x MRs on up to $50k per year. No AF, FTF.
Amex Blue for Business - 1.3x MRs (Another card needed in order to transfer, such as Amex ED/EDP/PRG/BGR/Plat etc). No AF, FTF. Discontinued, replaced by BBP.
Amex Business Platinum - 1.5x for charges over $5,000 up to 1M extra points ($2M spend) AF $450, no FTF. Many other perks.
Amex EveryDay - 1.2x if you make 20+ charges per cycle. No AF, FTF.
Amex EveryDay Preferred - 1.5x if you make 30+ charges per cycle. AF $95, FTF.
Bank of America Virgin Atlantic MasterCard - 1.5x VS miles, 2x if you spend $15k per year, 2.1x if you spend $25k per year. AF $90, no FTF.
Bank of America Air France KLM Mastercard - 1.5x AF miles. AF $89, no FTF.
Barclaycard Arrival Premier - 1.43x for all partners except JAL, AC (1.18x). You will get 2.14x on all partners except JAL, AC (1.76x), if you spend $15k or $25k per year. AF $150, FYF, no FTF. Discontinued.
Capital One Venture X Visa - 2x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. AF $395, no FTF, many other perks.
Capital One Spark Miles Business Visa - 2x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture Visa - 2x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture One Visa - 1.25x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. no AF, no FTF.
Capital One Spark Miles Select Business Visa - 1.5x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. No AF, no FTF.
Chase Freedom Unlimited Visa - 1.5x URs (Another card needed in order to transfer, such as CSR/CSP/Ink Plus/Ink Bold/Ink Preferred). No AF, FTF.
Chase Ink Unlimited Business Visa - 1.5x URs, Same as Freedom Unlimited
Citi Double Cash MC - 2x TYP. You need a premium Citi card, (Premier, Prestige or Chairman) to transfer to partners other than JetBlue at 1:1 ratio. No AF, FTF.
Cards that earn hotel points
Amex Hilton Honors - 3x HH points, no AF, no FTF
Amex Hilton Honors Surpass - 3x HH points, AF $95, no FTF, some perks
Amex Hilton Honors Business - 3x HH points, AF $95, no FTF, some perks
Amex Hilton Honors Aspire - 3x HH points, AF $450, no FTF, lots of perks.
Amex Bonvoy - 2x Marriott points. AF $95, FYF, no FTF. Discontinued.
Amex Bonvoy Business - same as Amex Bonvoy. AF $125, no FTF.
Amex Bonvoy Brilliant - same as Amex Bonvoy. AF $450
Barclaycard Choice Privileges Visa - 2x on everything. No AF, FTF.
Barclaycard Wyndham Rewards Visa - 2x (grandfathered versions 2x on everything). AF $69/$0, FTF.
Chase Bonvoy Boundless Visa - same as Amex Bonvoy.
Chase IHG Traveler MC - 2x on everything. No AF, no FTF.
Chase IHG Premier/Premier Business MC - 3x on everything. AF $99, no FTF.
Chase Ritz-Carlton Visa Infinite - same as Amex Bonvoy. AF $450, no FTF. Discontinued, but can be obtained via PC from another Chase Bonvoy card.
FNBO Best Western Rewards Premium MC - 2x BW points. AF $59, no FTF
FNBO Best Western Rewards MC - 2x BW points. No AF, no FTF
2%+ Cashback Cards: (by % amount)
US Bank Altitude Reserve Visa - 4.5% towards travel (cashout possible), if you use Android Pay, Samsung Pay, Apple Pay or LG Pay for in-person, in-app or online purchases. AF $400, no FTF, many other perks.
Barclaycard Priceline Rewards Visa (grandfathered 2x/5x version) - 3.33% if redeemed against Priceline or travel purchases, 2% if redeemed for everything else. No AF, no FTF.
AOD CU Visa Signature - 3% on everything. No AF, no FTF. Discontinued.
Synchrony Paypal Cashback Mastercard - 3% if paid with Paypal, 2% everywhere else, no AF, FTF.
Barclaycard Arrival Premier MC - 3% if you spend exactly $15k or $25k, 2%, if you spend less than $15k. AF $150, FYF, no FTF, some perks. Discontinued.
Bank of America Travel Rewards Visa (with Platinum (Honors) Preferred Rewards) - 2.25/2.625%. No AF, no FTF.
Bank of America Premium Rewards Visa (with Platinum (Honors) Preferred Rewards) - 2.25/2.625%. AF $95, no FTF, some perks.
Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Visa (with Platinum (Honors) Preferred Rewards) - 2.25/2.625%. AF $550, no FTF, many other perks.
USAA Limitless Cashback Rewards Visa - 2.5% (must be USAA member, with $1k direct deposit per month). no AF. Discontinued.
Alliant Cashback Visa Signature - 2.5% up to $10k per cycle, if you have $1k on your checking account. No AF, no FTF.
Barclaycard Arrival Plus MasterCard - 2.1% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $89, no FTF. Discontinued.
Discover it Miles - 3% (first year only, 1.5% after that). No AF, no FTF.
Exactly 2% Cashback Cards: (alphabetical)
Amex Blue Business Cash - 2% on up to $50k per year. No AF, FTF.
BBVA Compass Rewards Visa - 2%, if you receive $1000 in direct deposits per month to checking account. No AF.
Blispay Visa - 2%. No AF.
Citi Double Cash MasterCard - 2%. No AF, FTF.
Capital One Spark Cash Business Visa - 2%. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Spark Miles Business Visa - 2% if redeemed for travel. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture Visa - 2% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture X Visa - 2% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $395, no FTF, many other perks.
Fidelity Rewards Visa - 2%. No AF.
PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa (with Honors Advantage) - 2%. No AF, no FTF.
PNC Premier Traveler Visa - 2% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $85, FYF, no FTF.
State Department Federal CU Premium Cashback+ Visa - 2%, no AF, no FTF.
Synchrony Paypal Cashback MC - 2% for non-PayPal purchases, no AF, FTF.
Too many to list.
Which card(s) to use for high spend or large purchases? [Consolidated]
Apr 10, 2017, 7:48 pm
#271
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,428
I just reorganized and sorted the wiki to make it more usable and added two cards:
PenFed Power Cash Rewards (with Honors Advantage) - 2%
USBank Travel Rewards Visa - 2.125% when redeemed for $400 airline ticket
PenFed Power Cash Rewards (with Honors Advantage) - 2%
USBank Travel Rewards Visa - 2.125% when redeemed for $400 airline ticket
We appreciate your effort.
Apr 12, 2017, 7:19 am
#272
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: TYS/BNA/ATL
Programs: UR, TYP, MR, C1, AA, UA, WN, BA, AS, AV, AC, Choice, Hyatt, IHG, Hilton, Wyndham, Marriott
Posts: 1,978
I just reorganized and sorted the wiki to make it more usable and added two cards:
PenFed Power Cash Rewards (with Honors Advantage) - 2%
USBank Travel Rewards Visa - 2.125% when redeemed for $400 airline ticket
PenFed Power Cash Rewards (with Honors Advantage) - 2%
USBank Travel Rewards Visa - 2.125% when redeemed for $400 airline ticket
Also, I put JCB on the second place, because it gives 3% every year, and not just first one.
Apr 12, 2017, 9:20 am
#273
Moderator: Chase Ultimate Rewards
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 2P, MR LT Plat, IHG Plat, BW Dia, HH Au, Avis PC
Posts: 5,454
Apr 12, 2017, 1:05 pm
#274
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: TYS/BNA/ATL
Programs: UR, TYP, MR, C1, AA, UA, WN, BA, AS, AV, AC, Choice, Hyatt, IHG, Hilton, Wyndham, Marriott
Posts: 1,978
May 16, 2017, 11:33 am
#275
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 6
Big spend credit card bonuses?
I just realized I'm going to have about 30k in spend this year - at least half, maybe all, in the next 90-100 days. Are there any killer CC offers out there for big (well, $30k is big to me) spends?
FWIW, I'm probably close to 5 Chase cards if I go back two years, including business and personal (have 4 active at the moment, combined). I've tapped the Amex personal and business Gold and Platinum. Haven't had Citi in at least a year. My wife hates CC churning, but also likes free stuff, so I might be able to co-opt her. Primarily looking for travel benefits (extended Europe trip in '18 being planned), but cash works, too.
TIA
FWIW, I'm probably close to 5 Chase cards if I go back two years, including business and personal (have 4 active at the moment, combined). I've tapped the Amex personal and business Gold and Platinum. Haven't had Citi in at least a year. My wife hates CC churning, but also likes free stuff, so I might be able to co-opt her. Primarily looking for travel benefits (extended Europe trip in '18 being planned), but cash works, too.
TIA
May 16, 2017, 11:47 am
#276
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Intermountain West
Programs: Too many to list
Posts: 12,082
I just realized I'm going to have about 30k in spend this year - at least half, maybe all, in the next 90-100 days. Are there any killer CC offers out there for big (well, $30k is big to me) spends?
FWIW, I'm probably close to 5 Chase cards if I go back two years, including business and personal (have 4 active at the moment, combined). I've tapped the Amex personal and business Gold and Platinum. Haven't had Citi in at least a year. My wife hates CC churning, but also likes free stuff, so I might be able to co-opt her. Primarily looking for travel benefits (extended Europe trip in '18 being planned), but cash works, too.
TIA
FWIW, I'm probably close to 5 Chase cards if I go back two years, including business and personal (have 4 active at the moment, combined). I've tapped the Amex personal and business Gold and Platinum. Haven't had Citi in at least a year. My wife hates CC churning, but also likes free stuff, so I might be able to co-opt her. Primarily looking for travel benefits (extended Europe trip in '18 being planned), but cash works, too.
TIA
May 16, 2017, 9:31 pm
#277
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: TYS/BNA/ATL
Programs: UR, TYP, MR, C1, AA, UA, WN, BA, AS, AV, AC, Choice, Hyatt, IHG, Hilton, Wyndham, Marriott
Posts: 1,978
I just realized I'm going to have about 30k in spend this year - at least half, maybe all, in the next 90-100 days. Are there any killer CC offers out there for big (well, $30k is big to me) spends?
FWIW, I'm probably close to 5 Chase cards if I go back two years, including business and personal (have 4 active at the moment, combined). I've tapped the Amex personal and business Gold and Platinum. Haven't had Citi in at least a year. My wife hates CC churning, but also likes free stuff, so I might be able to co-opt her. Primarily looking for travel benefits (extended Europe trip in '18 being planned), but cash works, too.
TIA
FWIW, I'm probably close to 5 Chase cards if I go back two years, including business and personal (have 4 active at the moment, combined). I've tapped the Amex personal and business Gold and Platinum. Haven't had Citi in at least a year. My wife hates CC churning, but also likes free stuff, so I might be able to co-opt her. Primarily looking for travel benefits (extended Europe trip in '18 being planned), but cash works, too.
TIA
May 17, 2017, 5:11 am
#278
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 6
Thanks. I'll double check that. A bit leery about BA points (I still have 130k from cards 5 years ago) because they're hard to use on AA (poor selection, generally) and the fuel surcharge to EU is more than base flights on other airlines. Still, might be worth a shot since we'll hit the 30k mark for the companion ticket.
May 17, 2017, 8:34 am
#279
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: TYS/BNA/ATL
Programs: UR, TYP, MR, C1, AA, UA, WN, BA, AS, AV, AC, Choice, Hyatt, IHG, Hilton, Wyndham, Marriott
Posts: 1,978
Thanks. I'll double check that. A bit leery about BA points (I still have 130k from cards 5 years ago) because they're hard to use on AA (poor selection, generally) and the fuel surcharge to EU is more than base flights on other airlines. Still, might be worth a shot since we'll hit the 30k mark for the companion ticket.
May 23, 2017, 5:12 am
#280
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: NY
Posts: 733
I am looking for a new general spending card.
Currently use Arrival+, but planning to leave them, because of horrible customer service.
My payment was late 3 days once, I was charged $400 in interest, and it required several phone calls and letters (actual snail mail letters) to get the fees dropped.
I am considering BOA Travel Rewards with Plat level. What kind of credit line does BOA give? My current Arrival limit is $50K, and I am usually bumping against it, having to do mid-statement payments to free up credit.
And does one have to have a BOA checking acct to get Plat status, or is moving $100K to ML enough?
Currently use Arrival+, but planning to leave them, because of horrible customer service.
My payment was late 3 days once, I was charged $400 in interest, and it required several phone calls and letters (actual snail mail letters) to get the fees dropped.
I am considering BOA Travel Rewards with Plat level. What kind of credit line does BOA give? My current Arrival limit is $50K, and I am usually bumping against it, having to do mid-statement payments to free up credit.
And does one have to have a BOA checking acct to get Plat status, or is moving $100K to ML enough?
May 23, 2017, 2:20 pm
#281
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,954
Have they declined charges? MasterCard World/World Elite and VISA Signature/Infinite cards from any issuer should have a No Preset Spending Limit feature. The stated limit is the amount you can revolve, not the amount you can spend.
May 23, 2017, 9:05 pm
#282
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: NY
Posts: 733
what do you mean by "The stated limit is the amount you can revolve, not the amount you can spend"?
Last edited by stevento; May 23, 2017 at 9:26 pm
May 23, 2017, 10:11 pm
#283
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: TYS/BNA/ATL
Programs: UR, TYP, MR, C1, AA, UA, WN, BA, AS, AV, AC, Choice, Hyatt, IHG, Hilton, Wyndham, Marriott
Posts: 1,978
I am looking for a new general spending card.
Currently use Arrival+, but planning to leave them, because of horrible customer service.
My payment was late 3 days once, I was charged $400 in interest, and it required several phone calls and letters (actual snail mail letters) to get the fees dropped.
I am considering BOA Travel Rewards with Plat level. What kind of credit line does BOA give? My current Arrival limit is $50K, and I am usually bumping against it, having to do mid-statement payments to free up credit.
And does one have to have a BOA checking acct to get Plat status, or is moving $100K to ML enough?
Currently use Arrival+, but planning to leave them, because of horrible customer service.
My payment was late 3 days once, I was charged $400 in interest, and it required several phone calls and letters (actual snail mail letters) to get the fees dropped.
I am considering BOA Travel Rewards with Plat level. What kind of credit line does BOA give? My current Arrival limit is $50K, and I am usually bumping against it, having to do mid-statement payments to free up credit.
And does one have to have a BOA checking acct to get Plat status, or is moving $100K to ML enough?
May 24, 2017, 7:03 am
#284
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,954
The stated credit limit is the maximum that you can carry to the next billing cycle. The maximum amount that you can spend is a multiple of that limit. If the credit limit is $50,000 the spending limit might be $150,000, but you need to discuss with your issuer and recognize that you may not receive a precise numerical answer. When an account is new the spending limit may be very close to the credit limit, but as they gain experience with your pattern of spending and paying it will become larger.