Originally Posted by
bugyboy78
I've been doing a lot of research on credit cards, thinking about my credit card setup, and I'd appreciate some advice on strategy.
Basic information- Current cards: CSR (8/24), CFF (5/2019 – downgraded from CSP), CFU (9/22), Bilt (4/23), Costco Citi (8/22) – all $10,000+ limits
- FICO Score: 820
- Oldest account age: 20 years
- Chase 5/24 status: 2/24 (1/24 soon)
- Income: $200,000+
- Average monthly spend and categories: not sure exactly, but around $8,000/month
- Open to Business Cards: no
- What's the purpose of your next card? I’m not exactly sure what I want to or should target—maybe hotel status, great deals/SUBs, and points from different ecosystems for economy flights in case I need them. I’d probably be interested in getting just a handful of credit cards now or slow churn. I want to maintain an 800+ credit score because I’m in the market for refinancing a mortgage. I’m not exactly sure what I want to or should target—maybe hotel status, great deals/SUBs, and points from different ecosystems for economy flights in case I need them. I travel 10-15 times a year—usually 1-2 international trips to Asia (China/Japan/Korea), Europe (Paris/Spain/Switzerland), and some domestic travel (like New York, Vegas, various destinations with ski resorts, weddings, etc.)
- Do you have any cards you've been looking at? Yes—I’ve listed the cards down below in “Current strategy—what I’m thinking about doing”
- Are you OK with category spending or do you want a general spending card? I’m flexible
Current strategy- 3/24
- 4/24 and 5/24 options
- Get/keep Boundless (UG RC)
- Get/downgrade Strata Premier
- Get/downgrade Barclays HA + AA
- Get/keep Hyatt
- Get/keep IHG
- Get/downgrade United
- After 5/24 options
- Get/cancel Gold + Platinum
- Get/keep Aspire + Surpass (UG Aspire)
Specific questions- If I got my Venture Rewards card on 2/1, when is the absolute soonest that I can get a VX? I’m seeing mixed answers online
- What should my 4/24 and 5/24 cards be?
- Can I double dip and apply to 2 Chase credit cards on the same day to have them count as 1 HP? I’m seeing mixed answers online
- For the Strata Premier, I’m not sure what I’d do with my TY miles after I downgrade to a $0 AF card after a year. Any suggestions?
- Can I double/triple dip and apply for the Aspire + Surpass (+ Gold) on the same day to have it count as 1 HP (assuming I can meet MSRs)? I’m seeing mixed answers online
- Can I apply for Gold + Platinum on the same day still get both SUBs if I meet the Gold MSR first? Again, seeing mixed answers online
- Also not sure what I’d do with my Amex points after I cancel the Gold/Platinum (can’t see myself holding either or the Green). Any suggestions?
- Around how many new credit cards should I be looking to open per year if I want to keep an 800+ credit score in case I need to refinance?
Downgrade CFU to CFF
Downgrade CSR to CSP
Skip VX
Get Boundless, IHG, United, Aeroplan (this brings you to 5/24)
Skip Hyatt
Get and keep Strata Premier
Get HA or AA (get HA better, get AA from Citi)
Get Aspire and Surpass
You can get 2 Chase cards on the same day (2/30 rule)
You can get Aspire and Surpass on the same day. You can only get 2 Amex cards in 90 days.
Barclays has 6/24 rule and 1/6 rule.
I would consider getting Citi AA Platinum Select instead of Barclays, which you can later downgrade to CCC
You need to get Amex BBP in order to keep your MR points. There was an Amex Everyday option, but it's now discontinued.