Originally Posted by
flyertraveler
Hi, I am considering the following credit card strategy, with the goals being to maintain the American Airlines perks (free checked bag); mileage bonus for signing up; and avoiding the $95 fee. I don't use my AAdvantage card for anything other than these perks--I use cash rewards credit cards for all purchases. I have good credit; carry no balance; travel a few times per year, usually on American Airlines; and do not otherwise churn credit cards.
Is this a good strategy?
Year 1: I sign up for Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select Card as primary user and wife as authorized user and spend the $3000 in 3 months to get the bonus miles
Year 2: cancel my Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select Card (cannot open it again until Year 4); sign wife up for Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select Card with myself as authorized user
Year 3: cancel wife's Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select Card; I sign up for AAdvantage Aviator Red Barclay's Card with wife as authorized user
Year 4: cancel my AAdvantage Aviator Red Barclay's Card; I sign up for Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select Card as primary user and wife as authorized user
Year 5: repeat Year 2
Pros and cons aside, note that perks such as free checked bag are only available if the primary cardholder is on the reservation. Thus in year 2, you would only get the free bag if traveling on the same record as your wife.