Hey everyone, I'm a long time lurker and have decided to pursue some points programs through credit cards. Basically, I have lots of big purchases to make this upcoming year and even over the next several months, meeting the minimum spend is no problem and I would like to get started ASAP. I've read plenty of guides and reviews, but would like input on which course to take. I went ahead and attempted the two browser trick a few days ago, both apps got sent to pending. I have pretty good credit. I already have the Capital One Venture (the no annual fee card, 1.25 points per dollar anywhere) and that is the only card I have.

My goal: completing enough minimum spends through various cards to pay (or at least partially/mostly) for a tripe to Europe. Airfare and hotel, as much as possible, then continue to rack up points after utilizing minimum spend bonuses.

I appreciate the input!

hey there

what's the best airline for you to use? Where are you located?

I'm in Dallas so AA is the local hub, so it makes sense if possible to obtain miles on your 'local' airline. there's many options for each airline..

Where in Europe are you wanting to go? I'm from the UK so I personally look for hotels in London that are nice and see what points I need to get. again, there's many options so please give me some specifics and i'll shoot you over some ideas.
thanks

I'm from Orlando, so there is a major international airport so that isn't a problem. Haven't decided for sure where in Europe, honestly just wherever I could get the best deals and then maybe travel on my own once I'm there. Barcelona, Paris, London, anywhere. I've never been and want to use this as a boost to get there by next year.

I would sit down and take a look at what spending you know for sure you have coming up in what months. This way you can better figure out what your realistic spending requirements are, and can compare those to your goals for various cards.

Immediately I'm thinking the BA card, which you could easily get 100k Avios if you have enough spending within a year ($20k), which is 50k after first then 10k for each additional $10k in the first 12 months, limit 20k.

Chase has the 40k UR points for $2/3k in 3 months, but running offer online is $3k but they have an in branch offer for $2k.

United has 50k miles after $1k in 3 months, plus the AA 50k after $2.5k in 4 months.

Right there you're looking at a combined 240k points/miles with just a $26.5k spend (ONLY! :P) And that's not even touching hotel cards which might get more points.

Ah cool, makes sense.

Well, if you start now you could go get some American Airlines cards. I'd recommend getting the Citi Aadvantage personal visa card, and at the same time (using the 2 browser method) get the citi business visa. you need to research and find the 50k mile links. well, that's 100k miles and a return flight to London first class from DFW is 125k using mile saver. so you're almost there.

get the hyatt card, you get 2 free nights at any hyatt. it's a great benefit. london liverpool street Hyatt is lovely, also you could use the nights in Paris Venedrome Hyatt, which i've heard is amazing.

You can get the channel tunnel train from London to Paris, takes 2 1/2 hrs total..
get the Chase business Ink Bold and Ink Plus, for 100k points. you can pay yourself back $1000 with that, which is awesome.

good advice here. the Avios on BA have large fuel surcharges though, that's why I prefer American.

but yea, get an Excel spreadsheet out and figure out how much you can churn to meet these large minimum spends.

Maybe United with the Chase UA card, Chase Sapphire Preferred, and Ink Bold (Business). You can probably get two at a time.

Yeah, I've heard that, and it's not one I'm particularly looking into doing myself, but if his spend is high enough, and he's going to be spending it anyways, might as well!