Originally Posted by
Smidget
I think the point is that you can spend the money ASAP in case your bonus has to be done in 3 months/6 months whatever and you wouldn't normally spend that much quickly and in time to get the bonus miles.
That's exactly it. The goal is to charge the required amount within the first billing month to get the miles ASAP. The point of Costco is you can normally only use an AMEX at Costco. Buying GCs essentially lets you use a VISA/MC at Costco.
I see your point though in that this really isn't "free." It was a poor thread title choice for my suggestions. I was thinking free as in no additional cost outside of my normal living. Although I would love for others to help with any "free" options they are aware of.
I've read threads on opening checking/savings accounts, but it seems like that doesn't really work anymore. At least the Citi-Citi seems dead.