Advice re hitting spending threshold
Dec 13, 2012 | 7:20 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: Delta Gold/US Air Gold/GHA Black
Posts: 35
Advice re hitting spending threshold
I would like to hit bonus thresholds with one of my cards. Would love advice on how to proceed over the next 2-3 weeks.
Situation:
Palladium: $7,000 away from bonus 35,000 Chase Points.
Delta Reserve: $11,000 away from bonus 15,000 Skymiles and 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles. Currently Platinum w/ Delta
US AIR: Running double dividend miles so would be nice to use this card for upcoming travel spending if possible (close to getting Platinum status w/ US air). 2 upcoming trips in next 2 weeks.
Questions:
Which bonus should I try for (or neither).
Any ways to achieve bonus with alternative spending (gift cards, etc and still meet the eligibility for spend -- are there safeguards with AMEX and Chase that disqualify gift cards for these bonus categroies).
Thank you.
Situation:
Palladium: $7,000 away from bonus 35,000 Chase Points.
Delta Reserve: $11,000 away from bonus 15,000 Skymiles and 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles. Currently Platinum w/ Delta
US AIR: Running double dividend miles so would be nice to use this card for upcoming travel spending if possible (close to getting Platinum status w/ US air). 2 upcoming trips in next 2 weeks.
Questions:
Which bonus should I try for (or neither).
Any ways to achieve bonus with alternative spending (gift cards, etc and still meet the eligibility for spend -- are there safeguards with AMEX and Chase that disqualify gift cards for these bonus categroies).
Thank you.
Dec 13, 2012 | 7:26 pm
#2
Moderator: Travel Buzz
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Sunny San Diego
Posts: 3,175
Hmmm... the Chase points are so versatile, that would be my pick. On the other hand, the US Air will give you the points without having to hit a particular spend threshold, so if you can't be sure of hitting the 7k or the 11K spend, the US Air is a sure bet.
Dec 14, 2012 | 12:57 pm
#3
Flyertalk Posting Legend Moderator: Credit Card Programs, American Express, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Diners Club, Eco Travel, Signatures
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA, IHG & Marriott Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 51,875
Moderator action
Thread moved from MilesBuzz! to Credit Card Programs. The card discussions in MilesBuzz! should be limited to current extraordinary offers. Please ask for card "advice" here in the Credit Card Programs forum.
Dec 14, 2012 | 2:04 pm
#4
Join Date: May 2003
Location: CA
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 2,879
First question is how much you expect to spend? Second question, when you applied did you not consider the minimum spend and your ability to make it? By applying for cards where you will not make the minimum spend, you have caused a hard pull on your credit report and you have eliminated yourself from getting the spend bonus for a few years. For example with Chase, I don't think you are eligible to reapply for the "same" CC until approximately 2 years after cancellation. Horrible waste of a bonus!
Off my soapbox now.
If it were me, I would definitely go for the Chase points (assume they are UR). Much more flexibility than the Delta points......but only you can tell based on your current needs.
Off my soapbox now.
If it were me, I would definitely go for the Chase points (assume they are UR). Much more flexibility than the Delta points......but only you can tell based on your current needs.
Dec 14, 2012 | 2:22 pm
#5
Flyertalk Posting Legend Moderator: Credit Card Programs, American Express, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Diners Club, Eco Travel, Signatures
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA, IHG & Marriott Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 51,875
Dec 15, 2012 | 7:59 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: Delta Gold/US Air Gold/GHA Black
Posts: 35
First question is how much you expect to spend? Second question, when you applied did you not consider the minimum spend and your ability to make it? By applying for cards where you will not make the minimum spend, you have caused a hard pull on your credit report and you have eliminated yourself from getting the spend bonus for a few years. For example with Chase, I don't think you are eligible to reapply for the "same" CC until approximately 2 years after cancellation. Horrible waste of a bonus!
Off my soapbox now.
If it were me, I would definitely go for the Chase points (assume they are UR). Much more flexibility than the Delta points......but only you can tell based on your current needs.
Off my soapbox now.
If it were me, I would definitely go for the Chase points (assume they are UR). Much more flexibility than the Delta points......but only you can tell based on your current needs.
Deant, thanks for the soapbox... these are cards I have had for > 1 year (reserve) and I have hit the initial threshold for bonus. This is for subsequent bonuses that are just the icing on the top. I like the card because of the perks. The palladium is nice because of their concierge/great customer service/huge credit line. I didn't get it for the UR points but now that I am close, just wanted advice on how to proceed.
I agree with you.. will proceed with UR bonus. Thank you.