Within the next year I may be moving to a rather remote (with internet, ? phone) location for about 9 months. Other than ongoing charges (phone, insurance) I anticipate minimal to zero credit card usage (not married), and zero applications/closures, during that time.

I’ve been a fairly aggressive churner in the past. Over 150 total accounts over the past 30 years and about 53 in the past 4 years.

My plan is a churn/app-o-rama about 4 months prior to departure to allow enough time for approvals, receiving cards, spending, getting statements, paying the balances and get the bonuses before I leave. Within those 4 months I might try for a very quick turnaround on the Barclays US Air card (minimal downside to pissing them off, they offer few other products of interest) but other than that I’m not planning any more applications prior to leaving. Other than a few 25 year old accounts and a couple of no-fee non-FF cards and maybe the United card which offers PQM and is no longer available for new applicants, I plan to close all FF related accounts prior to departure.

I’m guessing that my credit rating (high 700’s since I started tracking it a year ago) will improve slightly due to no inquires for a year. I should then be an excellent position for a bunch of new apps when I return.

Curious as to other ideas and suggestions. Thanks very much.