No, by programs he means frequent flyer programs or hotel loyalty programs.

If you don't sign up first, the credit card company will do it for you. But it is much easier to track account login information if you do it yourself first. For example, go to the American Airlines website, sign up for their frequent flier program, write down your account information (I keep it in an Open Office spreadsheet), then go to the Citibank offer page and put your new frequent flier account number on the application for the Citibank Aadvantage Visa. This step is not necessary if signing up for a credit card with proprietary points, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.