Okay, an update! So I have 160K AA points now from getting AMEX & Visa credit cards. Only thing is, I won't fly with my parents, so is there a way of giving these points to my parents? (I thought you can't)

I listened someone's advice and got myself a Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (which actually looks like an awesome card). I will be working on meeting that $3K spend requirement as well.

As always, thanks everyone to those who are willing to help others out!