1. Convert that BOA cash rewards to the one that gets you 25$ quarterly statement credits.
2. Apply for the freedom, you should have this card and spend the categories. 1500 x 4 x 5% = 30,000 UR points. Try to max each category out, at the very least gas. Buy gift cards if need be to shift spending.
3. IHG is nice and you will never close the card for the free annual night. May jump on this for easy spend to.
4. Southwest I would plan if you can swing 2 cards for companion pass, i made the mistake when i first started of not doing it...
5. After the freedom and IHG (consider hyatt?) at the same time try another bank like citi or amex. It will really depend on your monthly spend to see what you can do.
6 Don't forget about the us airways card, 0 spend needed (I put 15$...)
7. Hawaiian airlines cards are not a bad way to get miles for partners and Hilton. What are your 1-2 year travel goals (even if they aren't solid plans you should always have a goal...)
8. I need to get on the starwood one personally but with limited monthly spend and I am not a crazy MSer as some people I need to dedicate a good chunk for this. If you can go for it.



hyatt card make sure you have a specific redemption in mind before applying. Same with some Hilton cards.