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Old Nov 26, 2007 | 9:20 pm
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the_traveler
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Here! (Or there - I'm not sure)
Programs: Peon in all
Posts: 4,358
Welcome to FT Laniss85!
Originally Posted by Laniss85
I've been wanting to get a credit card that has a miles/points system for a while now, coincidentally I came across this website a couple months ago, but at the time nothing materialized. I also have no idea how these programs work.

First off, I don't fly that much, not for work, not for anything, so frequent flyer miles won't really do anything for me. Instead I'd be looking for something that gives you points/miles based on credit card purchases and the like (though I really don't use my credit card that often, only when I have to). I've decided that since I'll be finishing up at college within the next year or two, that I would like to travel a little, so I figure I might as well get something out of credit card usage (it seems as if alot of people I know have programs with their card(s) but I don't have anything ).

Other things to consider: I live in Chicago, but I may be moving to the Pacific Northwest region or to Colorado (extended family in those areas). So I'm not too sure how these programs work, whether I have to be associated with a specific airline or something from a specific area? (I really have no idea).

I've browsed around considerably on this site and people seem to have alot of information and suggestions, so I would really appreciate any help anybody can give, thanks in advance.
One place you might want to check is free frequent flyer miles to get an idea of the "best" credit card for you.

One thing I caution you about is the offer by some companies (like Capital One) that state that their "miles" allow you to get a free ticket with "just 25,000 miles" on "any airline"! (Hey, that's the same as other airlines!) But there is a BIG difference:

1) Those "miles" are not airline frequent flyer program miles - they are only good with that company! Just like I can say that I'll fly you cross country for 10,000 dogcats. (What are they? )

2) The company will buy a ticket for you with your "miles" - but they may have a low limit! (Maybe it will be something like $350.) If they can find a ticket for $300, they will buy it. But if those $300 tickets are sold out, but there is a $450 ticket available, you will be told there are no tickets available! (Because it is above their limit.)
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