Originally Posted by
jamesleigh22000
I am new to the miles and points game, and have been reading a lot of posts here and on blogs to try to develop a strategy. I have developed a few questions along the way for which I can't find definitive answers. I can only meet 3-4k minimum spend every 90 days, so I am trying to maximize it.
One thing I am curious about is how to churn cards from each issuer. The main ones being Amex, Barclays, Chase, and Citi. I have seen bits and pieces about their policies, but they seem to be very different and I have not gotten a real idea of how to approach doing this with each one. Here is my impression so far, correct me if I'm wrong and I am interested in your insights.
Barclays: Can apply for 1 card every 6 months
Chase: Can apply much more frequently , but have to wait 18 months before applying for the same card again to get bonus
Citi: I'm not sure but it seems like they are fairly strict
Amex: Can have 3 or 4 cards at once, but often have to wait 12 months before applying for same card
Also, does anyone know a foolproof way to make sure I actually get the bonus? I read a post on here from someone who had been told by American Express they would get a bonus and were later told they're not eligible.
Basically I could use any advice you can give, even if it's not directly answering these questions. Thanks!
If you are not sure what you are doing, then go slowly. Take your time to learn more and
then to find out what works for you. Just because some people are churning cards doesn't necessarily mean that you should do the same.
A quick glance at your list brings out one of the most important things you will read again and again -- YMMV. Your miles may vary, your experience may vary, your credit rating may vary, your travel needs may vary, etc., etc.
And to top it off, everything you think you know is changing continually. So, you may come up with a strategy that you think will work, only to discover that the "rules" have changed.
So your quest to find "definitive" answers and "foolproof strategies" is very likely to fail. Which is okay. Mistakes are how we learn. Just don't get too wrapped in getting it all "right".
Instead enjoy the ride and be grateful for all the free/discounted travel that comes your way.