Originally Posted by
motohawk
So here are my thoughts on the different type of people.
1. Set it and forget it! - Just want 1 card that gets you the most travel benefit. Super easy. I am sure you can find this somewhere on this site. This is not me but works for some people.
2. Churn and Burn - Wants the most miles possible. Almost to the hording extent but often times will use the miles (unlike a hoarder who just fills their basement with junk). Takes a lot of research and effort just to stay on top of everything. I have a friend who went from nothing to almost 1 million miles in 18 months. This is also not me.
3. Controlled Value seeker - Only signs up for cards when they are at good bonus levels but no more than 2-3 at a time. Once miles post then cancel the card and look for the next one to replace. This is me. Some that I have done and would recommend would be:
- British Airways Avios (75k if you can still get it was worth 7 R/T tickets on AA from ORD to BWI)
- American (wait for at least 60k option)
- S/W when the 50k comes around. Double up with both versions and get the free companion pass (100k miles in a year)
- US airway (merging with AA soon, no min spend or annual fee)
Well, since it's not 2011, I wouldn't wait for 75K Avios or 60K AA. 50 and 50 are still quite decent especially that Avios is waiving the annual fee right now. 50K SW and US Air are available right now, so there is no reason to wait.
And I still hope the US Airways merger with AA will fall through. A guy can dream.