Stuck on a App Spread (or maybe I'm done for now?)
 

First, thanks for all of the advice I've received on here directly or by all of the others helping others I've taken in through the posts I've read. Thanks!

I stuck my toe in the pool in October and am up to my knee now. The goal is, to borrow from Daraius at MMS - get some big travel with little money. I have a long-term job, solid income and deep file with no blemishes in the past 20 years.

I'd like to toss out there what I've done over the past few months and past week to see if anyone shares my opinion that it's time to not make any more moves until something awesome comes along or it's time to get applying again. I'm also curious if anyone sees a hole or opportunity in what I'm doing here. I know the right method is the one I'm comfortable with, but your knowledge and experience is greatly appreciated. Hoping to help the newbies one day myself.

Here's my card wallet (and why if applicable):

Pre-existing: 2x BofA AMEX cards Ages 4 and 2

Oct 11: Chase SWA for 50k

Nov 11: Citi AA for 40k + 10k - spend complete (was unaware of the double browser trick at the time, missed out)

Feb 12: Chase Sapphire Preferred for 50k ($3k/3mos - spend complete)

March 12: US Air for 40k (instant approval last week)

March 12: AMEX HHonors for 40k (instant approved last week, $750 spend - I already have HHonors Gold from a little hack I read about, didn't want the spend for the Surpass at this time)

March 12: Citi HHonors for 40k (basic offer which was emailed to me, NOT instant approved, pending since yesterday)

Goals: Move Sapphire to SWA RR and make Hilton my go to hotel chain.
Other carrier points for family visits or transfers when needed. I do like AA however and they receive a large spend from me until the Sapphire arrived. I'm sitting on 80k Carlson points that I'm frankly not sure I'll use, may use them to top off AA when needed. (Comment on Carlson - Anyone been able to even find a reward night at their Blu chain, not I!)

IF I did anything else right now (barring any advice) it would be apply for BofA card of one of their 2 carriers I can transfer points to Hilton. Transfer CL from one of the 2 BofA AMEX I have if need be.

I still put spend on all of the cards and spread them out with the bonus point category cards getting their specific spends and the non-bonus going round robin (I fear, right or wrong, a risk analyst will see my apps and lack of spend otherwise and shut me down; so I share the loving but NEVER carry a balance. I make weekly payments no matter how small or large).

I think that's it. Thanks for any advice or critique you have to offer! Love ya man!

There is no right or wrong answer in selecting credit card bonuses. You should focus on the programs that are important to you and that you hope to redeem first. I think you did fine.

I would take a break on credit card applications for 90 days, and allow those credit inquiries to age a bit. In the mean time, meet your minimum spend requirements and research and decide which cards you want next. In 90 days, apply for another 2-5 cards (preferably on the same day to minimize the effect of multiple credit inquiries). Repeat as desired (assuming your credit score can take it).

[QUOTE=mheffner22;18193431] I'm also curious if anyone sees a hole or opportunity in what I'm doing here. I know the right method is the one I'm comfortable with, but your knowledge and experience is greatly appreciated. Hoping to help the newbies one day myself.

Goals: Move Sapphire to SWA RR and make Hilton my go to hotel chain.
Other carrier points for family visits or transfers when needed. I do like AA however and they receive a large spend from me until the Sapphire arrived./QUOTE]

Maybe not a hole depending on your wants/location. Have you looked at Membership Rewards? You can't transfer to AA, but they're pretty valuable on other airlines. They tend to have some pretty good bonuses (targeted 75k PRG right now, no annual fee) that are great if you're interested in international business travel.

Also, I tend to value the SPG (25k points) offering over the Hilton card signups.

Thanks for the replies thus far. Mile-a-holic, Pardon my ignorance, I've seen PRG mentioned a few times, is that Premiere Rewards Gold? I was just approved, for a nice line, on the AMEX HHonors; is AMEX flexible in giving out multiple cards? The HHonors is my first AMEX. I'm not opposed to hitting another AMEX this week since it's only been 2 days and I dont suspect they would pull another file. THANKS!

Yes, you have it right. Look to see if you're targeted here following the information in this thread, and if not just follow the MR forum for the next good offer: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/newre...ply&p=18199767

I almost always have multiple AmEx, but probably started with just one. I'll defer to other experts here (or credit boards). You have a long credit history, but you also have a lot of recent activity...that could be a flag and is it really worth it when waiting another few months would let them age and provide you with an AmEx history? I don't know if calling them ("hey, I see I'm targeted but I just opened some cards because I'm traveling a lot and the perks help out....") would make a difference.

I'm a dabbler--I can speak to the benefits but not to the timing since I space out my applications. It's hard when you're starting out and so much loot to grab! I'm over the 20 months for the AA cards, but making myself wait a bit longer.