Originally Posted by
bocastephen
Thanks, I looked at the SPG card, but they need something more 1/1 to get miles. Here is how I broke down their spend for a year
1) General Merchandise/Services - $30K - 30K points
2) Gas/Grocery/Drug - 10K - $15K points
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Total - 45K pts before extra items/bonuses, Amex 1.25 bonus, etc.
The way I see it, they could earn 2 free tickets a year anywhere in NA, and with the sign-up bonuses for CIBC and Amex, they already start with almost enough for 2 tickets.
Not sure I understand this post. It looks like:
item (1) + (2) = 40K spending
With the SPG card you would earn 35K starwood points (plus the sign up bonus of 5k starwood points) which would translate into 50K airline miles if you wish. Yes enough for two free North America tickets in coach (pesuming the airline releases seats).
I believe the SPG Canada Mastercard is one of the best, because you can transfer those starwood points into airline points of your choice and there is no anual fee or a $35 fee, I don't remember.
Another credit card that is pretty amazing is the Alaska Airlines credit card MBNA where you get a virually no strings attached $50 companion ticket. With the companion ticket you purchase any Alaska operated flight, and your companion can purchase a ticket on the same flights for $50 plus tax. So if your ticket is $550 say BOS-YVR, your companion's ticket is only $50. All earn regular frequent flyer miles. (AS also gives you a sign up bonus of 20,000 miles too)