Just started my career and I am expecting to make a couple of flights regularly each year. I am looking for a good Frequent Flyer Program and a Credit Card to supplement.

(1) What is your home airport? SeaTac
(2) What types of fares do you usually buy? Economy(I can afford to pay full fare now)
(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? Planning about 25k.
(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? None. (Enrolled in UA)
(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? Ease of maintaining Elite Status(See CC). Lounge access is nice.
(6) Which routes do you fly most often? Mostly SEA <=> ORD & (1) SEA <=> NRT each year.
(7) Preferred Airlines? Preferably Star Alliance (UA/ANA). But I could go Skyteam or OneWorld.
(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? Pleasure. If I ever get that rare work travel, its lowest cost option only.


I am just starting out, and hope to travel more moving forward through the years. I would like to get a Credit Card linked to the FFP and make it my primary card of choice to maximize rewards.


I appreciate any advice you can provide me.