For the past couple years I've had the former Schwab card, but I'm not interested in staying with the BoA card it's been converted to, so I'm looking for new cards. I'll be closing on a new house around the end of the year, so it will be the end of December/beginning of January before I can apply. My credit scores from the mortgage company were 753-773-770.

I also have the Chase Freedom card, and have switched my spending to that for the time being.

I'd previously decided to get the Sapphire Preferred card, and reading through the posts on FT has cemented that decision. I'm wondering what to get in conjunction with the Sapphire Preferred. I'm thinking just 2 cards total for now, though I might possibly be able to do 3. I've been happy with Chase, and would prefer to stay with them over having accounts at a lot of different banks.

I've heard a lot of people tout the SPG Amex, but I'm not sure I have enough spending to be worthwhile for two different programs. I think I'd rather have a card that will complement the programs I can transfer to with Ultimate Rewards. I currently spend ~$30k/year.

I take 3-4 domestic flights per year, usually on CO/UA. I also do one international trip to Europe each year, almost always on BA (I did use CO/LH once, and would consider doing so again depending on the itinerary). I fly business class internationally, but usually just economy domestically. As you can guess, I don't fly enough to have elite status on any airline.

I only need a hotel about twice a year, once for a trip I take with a friend, and once for a random trip with family (usually stay in smaller towns for this one). I'm not sure where I'll be taking the trip with my friend in 2012. I was traveling a little more for business last year and am currently Silver for HHonors and Gold for Priority Club, but I didn't travel enough to keep either of those statuses after this year.

The cards I'm considering now:
- Chase Hyatt Visa (for free nights, hopefully to be able to use for trip w/ friend)
- United Explorer (bonus & priority boarding - anyone expect a better bonus after the first of the year?)
- British Airways Visa (bonus & EMV)

Any suggestions or comments would be very much appreciated.


Also, one more question. This may be something nobody really knows, but are there usually new bonus offers after the beginning of the year? I'm wondering if it would be worth it to wait, or if I'm better off taking advantage of the bonuses that are out there for sure right now.

I think the United and Hyatt cards are your best options, but keep in mind that they are all Chase cards. From observation, Chase typically allows approximately one card application per 30 days, but many people have been able to get a second Chase card approved by calling the reconsideration line and explaining why they want the card to a live analyst, and possibly moving credit lines from existing Chase cards.

Factors to consider:

Hyatt's 2 free nights expire in a year, so make sure you will be able to use them during that time period. Check locations you want to go to see if they have a Hyatt. Hyatt does not have a big presence internationally except in a few large cities like Paris.

United miles are often considered the most valuable, see this article. Rumor is that a larger United Chase card offer will be available to the public at the beginning of the year, so you might want to wait a couple months. Someone leaked an upcoming offer in October and Chase retaliated by postponing the offer.

British Airways has severely devalued their miles program and charges large fuel surcharges on its own flights, see here.

I would sign up for the Sapphire card now, and wait a couple months for a better United offer.

I was going to apply for the Sapphire Preferred first, because that's the one I want the most. I figured I'd just try for a second one, and call the reconsideration line if I get denied. And if I don't get it then, I'll wait and try later.

I wasn't sure when the free nights expired. Thanks.

This is what I was really wondering. I might wait and see what happens there.

This is what I'm leaning toward. Thanks for the help!