Churning Strategy with Upcoming Prolonged Absence?
 

Within the next year I may be moving to a rather remote (with internet, ? phone) location for about 9 months. Other than ongoing charges (phone, insurance) I anticipate minimal to zero credit card usage (not married), and zero applications/closures, during that time.

I’ve been a fairly aggressive churner in the past. Over 150 total accounts over the past 30 years and about 53 in the past 4 years.

My plan is a churn/app-o-rama about 4 months prior to departure to allow enough time for approvals, receiving cards, spending, getting statements, paying the balances and get the bonuses before I leave. Within those 4 months I might try for a very quick turnaround on the Barclays US Air card (minimal downside to pissing them off, they offer few other products of interest) but other than that I’m not planning any more applications prior to leaving. Other than a few 25 year old accounts and a couple of no-fee non-FF cards and maybe the United card which offers PQM and is no longer available for new applicants, I plan to close all FF related accounts prior to departure.

I’m guessing that my credit rating (high 700’s since I started tracking it a year ago) will improve slightly due to no inquires for a year. I should then be an excellent position for a bunch of new apps when I return.

Curious as to other ideas and suggestions. Thanks very much.

You going to jail :p

No such luck :eek:. Military reserve mobilization, Central Command.

Well, that was my first thought too. Great minds think alike.:D

Doc, your plan sounds solid, although when you're already in high 700 I don't think few points more would really matter one way or another. Also, since you're going to close all your accounts before moving, make sure you don't close them too early to lose the miles. But you've been around here long enough to know that already. Good luck with your endeavor.

Thank you. Good advice. There’s just something about that elusive 800 … :)

Other than Chase/UA with some of their products (6 months IIRC), and of course transferring MR and UR points to partner programs prior to account(s) closure, I’m not aware of any others whereby premature closure would lead to loss of points. Please let me know if I’ve overlooked something. Thanks again.

My first thought was "doctors without boarders"...

I'd probably also consider whether or not to leave open 1 or 2 cards with large credit line, to preserve purchasing power and/or horse trading other credit cards later on.