FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Question regarding churning
View Single Post
Old Aug 12, 2012 | 5:45 pm
  #5  
chemist661
In Memoriam
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Southern California
Programs: Hertz 5 star, Priceline Hotel bidder. AA PLT, 1MM.
Posts: 2,910
I would do the Starwood AMEX since the 30K bonus only comes once a year. I would do the two browser trick and apply for the two Citi AA cards (AMEX & Visa).

You could also do the Barclay's US airways card but Barclays is a weird creditor and may close down the credit card if they think you have too many new accounts to their liking. If you got that card, charge something small on the card right away and put in away in drawer. (right after you activate the card is best--I go down to the gas station and put a few dollars of gas using the "card" reader. I did that with my wife's cards that have "bonus at first spend" since she does not like using the card reader).

The only thing is that each AA card has a 3K spend within 4 months (maybe 6 but I'm too lazy to look up) and the Starwood AMEX has a 5K spend within 6 months to get the 2nd batch of miles (20K).

I also joined MP prem and I read they may take some time for Hyatt status to be updated to Plat. (as long as 8-12 weeks)

Bottom line: If min spends are not a problem, I would do the following:

1. Starwood AMEX (5K min spend within 6 months)

2. Citi AA: AMEX & Visa: 3K min spend each card within 4-6 months (look up)

3. Barclay's US Airways: 40K US Airways awarded on first spend. Good for 2 domestic savers when CC is used to pay for award (5K off on US metal) . Finding saver award inventory on US is NOT easy.
chemist661 is offline