2013 App-O-Rama (AOR) and Churn Advice Archive
Aug 6, 2013, 9:39 am
#1321
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Stockholm, Sweden + Austin, Tx
Programs: "But, I'm a GLOBALIST guest...."
Posts: 2,848
you need ot log into your account first.... then click on the credit card offer... then adjust it to 70k. if you follow the directions in the header, you should be able to get the 70k offer to work.
Aug 6, 2013, 12:47 pm
#1322
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: United, UR, AA, USAirways, AirTran, JetBlue, SPG, Hilton
Posts: 25
Hi all - so I'm new to all this and a bit annoyed that I didn't figure out this "game" before as I've amassed over 200k United miles over the past 6 years on a pretty crappy Chase United Awards Visa -_- ... that's a lot of legit spend w/o much reward 
.
I heard about FT after I had applied for the Chase Ink Plus 60k promo back in mid-June and wish I had been informed enough to do my first AoR/churn at that point.
So, I do have good credit, around 750, am single, have a mortgage, and pay my bills off on time each month. Should I wait 3 months from my last single credit card (Ink in mid-June) or do you think I'll be okay doing my first official AoR now?
I currently have:
1) Chase Ink Plus Business
2) Chase United MileageAwards (oldest account, downgraded this to no-fee last week).
3) Amex Blue Cash
4) Discover IT
If I move forward with an AoR, I'm thinking:
1) Chase UA Explorer (up to 65k targeted)
2) CSP (40k)
3) Chase Freedom (for the 5x)
4) SPG Personal (30k)
5) SPG Business (30k)
Too many? Or ... any better recommendations?
. I heard about FT after I had applied for the Chase Ink Plus 60k promo back in mid-June and wish I had been informed enough to do my first AoR/churn at that point.
So, I do have good credit, around 750, am single, have a mortgage, and pay my bills off on time each month. Should I wait 3 months from my last single credit card (Ink in mid-June) or do you think I'll be okay doing my first official AoR now?
I currently have:
1) Chase Ink Plus Business
2) Chase United MileageAwards (oldest account, downgraded this to no-fee last week).
3) Amex Blue Cash
4) Discover IT
If I move forward with an AoR, I'm thinking:
1) Chase UA Explorer (up to 65k targeted)
2) CSP (40k)
3) Chase Freedom (for the 5x)
4) SPG Personal (30k)
5) SPG Business (30k)
Too many? Or ... any better recommendations?
Aug 6, 2013, 1:23 pm
#1323
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: AA Gold, US Silver, Starwood Gold, Starbucks Gold
Posts: 331
Reposting the below, as I'm in the market for a new credit card and wanted to hear thoughts (SPG?).
Hey all,
Wanted to hear thoughts on which cards I should sign up for next. I fly frequently but don't book many stays in hotels. My airlines are US Air (soon to become AA) and United. My goals are either to accumulate miles on these airlines or cash back. My CreditKarma score is 779, and my oldest account is from 2007.
Total credit lines of ~125k. Each card that I've opened in the past few months has been a 10-20k limit. I'm not necessarily looking to open a few credit cards now, but more want to know which cards provide good rewards and which I should spring for should a signup bonus come up. I have plenty of VRs in my area to manufacture spend.
Current cards:
Penfed Cash Rewards Visa - 17k limit, use for gas (5%)
Amex Blue Cash Preferred - 12k limit, use for groceries (6%)
Amex Premier Rewards Gold - no limit, don't use
Chase Freedom - 13k limit, use for restaurants in 2Q (5%)
Chase Sapphire Preferred - 20k limit, don't use
Chase United Explorer Card - 17k limit, United flights
Fidelity Amex - 12k limit, use for anything else (2%)
Fidelity Visa - 2k limit, barely use
Barclays US Air Mastercard - 15k limit, US Air flights
Citi Dividend World Mastercard - 5k limit, my oldest credit card; don't use
Citi AA World Mastercard - 10k limit, AA flights
I'm thinking about getting an SPG card, which could be good for US/AA miles (should I wait to see how that shakes out?). I'm likely going to close my Amex PRG card, and don't find much value in MR points. I like US and UA miles, so Chase is convenient.
Any recommendations? Thanks.
Hey all,
Wanted to hear thoughts on which cards I should sign up for next. I fly frequently but don't book many stays in hotels. My airlines are US Air (soon to become AA) and United. My goals are either to accumulate miles on these airlines or cash back. My CreditKarma score is 779, and my oldest account is from 2007.
Total credit lines of ~125k. Each card that I've opened in the past few months has been a 10-20k limit. I'm not necessarily looking to open a few credit cards now, but more want to know which cards provide good rewards and which I should spring for should a signup bonus come up. I have plenty of VRs in my area to manufacture spend.
Current cards:
Penfed Cash Rewards Visa - 17k limit, use for gas (5%)
Amex Blue Cash Preferred - 12k limit, use for groceries (6%)
Amex Premier Rewards Gold - no limit, don't use
Chase Freedom - 13k limit, use for restaurants in 2Q (5%)
Chase Sapphire Preferred - 20k limit, don't use
Chase United Explorer Card - 17k limit, United flights
Fidelity Amex - 12k limit, use for anything else (2%)
Fidelity Visa - 2k limit, barely use
Barclays US Air Mastercard - 15k limit, US Air flights
Citi Dividend World Mastercard - 5k limit, my oldest credit card; don't use
Citi AA World Mastercard - 10k limit, AA flights
I'm thinking about getting an SPG card, which could be good for US/AA miles (should I wait to see how that shakes out?). I'm likely going to close my Amex PRG card, and don't find much value in MR points. I like US and UA miles, so Chase is convenient.
Any recommendations? Thanks.
Aug 6, 2013, 3:41 pm
#1324
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: USA
Programs: All of em...
Posts: 1,265
App-O-Rama day success!!
5 of 5 approved, and even churned some for the 3rd time! Will be using Amazon Payments, Chase gift cards, & reimbursable expenses to meet the spends. Results:
1. American Airlines platinum Visa - 50k miles $3k spend/3mo (my 5th AA card, will get 6th next week!). Got to step 5, called, moved credit, approved.
2. Delta Gold Amex - 30k miles $500 spend/3 mo (my 2nd personal). Instant Approval.
3. Alaskan Air Visa (BOA) - 25k miles + $100 statement credit $1k spend/3 mo (my 3rd!). Pending. Called - Approved.
4. US Air Barclays Mastercard - 35k miles first purchase (my 3rd!)
Pending, called, answered questions. Approved
5. British Airways Chase Visa - 50k miles $2k spend/3 mo (my 2nd - not 100% certain I'll get the bonus, but wanna guinea pig it while Chase Gift Cards are free). Pending, called, approved.
5 of 5 approved, and even churned some for the 3rd time! Will be using Amazon Payments, Chase gift cards, & reimbursable expenses to meet the spends. Results:
1. American Airlines platinum Visa - 50k miles $3k spend/3mo (my 5th AA card, will get 6th next week!). Got to step 5, called, moved credit, approved.
2. Delta Gold Amex - 30k miles $500 spend/3 mo (my 2nd personal). Instant Approval.
3. Alaskan Air Visa (BOA) - 25k miles + $100 statement credit $1k spend/3 mo (my 3rd!). Pending. Called - Approved.
4. US Air Barclays Mastercard - 35k miles first purchase (my 3rd!)
Pending, called, answered questions. Approved
5. British Airways Chase Visa - 50k miles $2k spend/3 mo (my 2nd - not 100% certain I'll get the bonus, but wanna guinea pig it while Chase Gift Cards are free). Pending, called, approved.
Aug 6, 2013, 3:56 pm
#1325
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 197
Hi all, I have been reading this thread with interest and had a specific question regarding apps I was hoping to do.
After looking at my spend profile I decided it would benefit me to look at the following:
AMEX BCP - For Cash Back on Groceries & Gas
AMEX PRG or PLAT - Travel and Gas points along with groceries once cap on BCP is hit
AMEX SPG - Primarily for my SPG stays and the redemption partners
Chase Sapphire Preferred - Dining, Travel & redemption
My questions are:
1) As you can see there a number of AMEX cards here, can I apply for all of these in 1 go for minimal hit and is there a good likelihood with good credit for these to be approved (just want feedback certainly don't expect anyone to be able to give an exact answer) ?
2) If I apply for AMEX SPG & BCP now along with Chase, can I take advantage of AMEX PRG or PLAT sign up bonuses in a few months (under 12) ?
3) Lastly I will be working on a new auto lease in about 8 months so was hoping to get these cards added to the wallet and start making up for any negative hit before that time, any thoughts around timing here ?
Thanks so much all, much appreciated
WC
After looking at my spend profile I decided it would benefit me to look at the following:
AMEX BCP - For Cash Back on Groceries & Gas
AMEX PRG or PLAT - Travel and Gas points along with groceries once cap on BCP is hit
AMEX SPG - Primarily for my SPG stays and the redemption partners
Chase Sapphire Preferred - Dining, Travel & redemption
My questions are:
1) As you can see there a number of AMEX cards here, can I apply for all of these in 1 go for minimal hit and is there a good likelihood with good credit for these to be approved (just want feedback certainly don't expect anyone to be able to give an exact answer) ?
2) If I apply for AMEX SPG & BCP now along with Chase, can I take advantage of AMEX PRG or PLAT sign up bonuses in a few months (under 12) ?
3) Lastly I will be working on a new auto lease in about 8 months so was hoping to get these cards added to the wallet and start making up for any negative hit before that time, any thoughts around timing here ?
Thanks so much all, much appreciated
WC
Aug 6, 2013, 9:46 pm
#1326
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 232
Finally I got the 70k link working and applied for ChaseMarioot. Approved.
Just got instantly approved for following
a) Barclays US Air - 35000 (churn)
2)Citi AA - 50000 (churn)
3)Amex SPG - 30000 (first)
4)Chase IHG - 80000 (first)
5)Chase Mariott - 70000 (first)
Deferred for these
a) Chase Southwest Biz (first) -50000
b)Barclays Arrival (first) - 400
Just got instantly approved for following
a) Barclays US Air - 35000 (churn)
2)Citi AA - 50000 (churn)
3)Amex SPG - 30000 (first)
4)Chase IHG - 80000 (first)
5)Chase Mariott - 70000 (first)
Deferred for these
a) Chase Southwest Biz (first) -50000
b)Barclays Arrival (first) - 400
Just got instantly approved for following
a) Barclays US Air - 35000 (churn)
2)Citi AA - 50000 (churn)
3)Amex SPG - 30000 (first)
4)Chase IHG - 80000 (first)
Deferred for these
a) Chase Southwest Biz (first) -50000
b)Barclays Arrival (first) - 400
Still thinking
a) Chase Mariott - 50,000 mainly because I dint want to weaken the chance of SW biz being accepted and also the 70000 link for mariott did not work for me
Not planning to call recon.
a) Barclays US Air - 35000 (churn)
2)Citi AA - 50000 (churn)
3)Amex SPG - 30000 (first)
4)Chase IHG - 80000 (first)
Deferred for these
a) Chase Southwest Biz (first) -50000
b)Barclays Arrival (first) - 400
Still thinking
a) Chase Mariott - 50,000 mainly because I dint want to weaken the chance of SW biz being accepted and also the 70000 link for mariott did not work for me
Not planning to call recon.
Aug 7, 2013, 1:52 am
#1327
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,453
Total credit lines of ~125k. Each card that I've opened in the past few months has been a 10-20k limit. I'm not necessarily looking to open a few credit cards now, but more want to know which cards provide good rewards and which I should spring for should a signup bonus come up. I have plenty of VRs in my area to manufacture spend.
Current cards:
Penfed Cash Rewards Visa - 17k limit, use for gas (5%)
Amex Blue Cash Preferred - 12k limit, use for groceries (6%)
Amex Premier Rewards Gold - no limit, don't use
Chase Freedom - 13k limit, use for restaurants in 2Q (5%)
Chase Sapphire Preferred - 20k limit, don't use
Chase United Explorer Card - 17k limit, United flights
Fidelity Amex - 12k limit, use for anything else (2%)
Fidelity Visa - 2k limit, barely use
Barclays US Air Mastercard - 15k limit, US Air flights
Citi Dividend World Mastercard - 5k limit, my oldest credit card; don't use
Citi AA World Mastercard - 10k limit, AA flights
I'm thinking about getting an SPG card, which could be good for US/AA miles (should I wait to see how that shakes out?). I'm likely going to close my Amex PRG card, and don't find much value in MR points. I like US and UA miles, so Chase is convenient.
Any recommendations? Thanks.
Current cards:
Penfed Cash Rewards Visa - 17k limit, use for gas (5%)
Amex Blue Cash Preferred - 12k limit, use for groceries (6%)
Amex Premier Rewards Gold - no limit, don't use
Chase Freedom - 13k limit, use for restaurants in 2Q (5%)
Chase Sapphire Preferred - 20k limit, don't use
Chase United Explorer Card - 17k limit, United flights
Fidelity Amex - 12k limit, use for anything else (2%)
Fidelity Visa - 2k limit, barely use
Barclays US Air Mastercard - 15k limit, US Air flights
Citi Dividend World Mastercard - 5k limit, my oldest credit card; don't use
Citi AA World Mastercard - 10k limit, AA flights
I'm thinking about getting an SPG card, which could be good for US/AA miles (should I wait to see how that shakes out?). I'm likely going to close my Amex PRG card, and don't find much value in MR points. I like US and UA miles, so Chase is convenient.
Any recommendations? Thanks.
Currently SPG card has 30K sign up bonus... For me the CSP and SPG cards are two of my go to cards, I also have a freedom card too...
Aug 7, 2013, 1:55 am
#1328
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,453
App-O-Rama day success!!
5 of 5 approved, and even churned some for the 3rd time! Will be using Amazon Payments, Chase gift cards, & reimbursable expenses to meet the spends. Results:
1. American Airlines platinum Visa - 50k miles $3k spend/3mo (my 5th AA card, will get 6th next week!). Got to step 5, called, moved credit, approved.
2. Delta Gold Amex - 30k miles $500 spend/3 mo (my 2nd personal). Instant Approval.
3. Alaskan Air Visa (BOA) - 25k miles + $100 statement credit $1k spend/3 mo (my 3rd!). Pending. Called - Approved.
4. US Air Barclays Mastercard - 35k miles first purchase (my 3rd!)
Pending, called, answered questions. Approved
5. British Airways Chase Visa - 50k miles $2k spend/3 mo (my 2nd - not 100% certain I'll get the bonus, but wanna guinea pig it while Chase Gift Cards are free). Pending, called, approved.
5 of 5 approved, and even churned some for the 3rd time! Will be using Amazon Payments, Chase gift cards, & reimbursable expenses to meet the spends. Results:
1. American Airlines platinum Visa - 50k miles $3k spend/3mo (my 5th AA card, will get 6th next week!). Got to step 5, called, moved credit, approved.
2. Delta Gold Amex - 30k miles $500 spend/3 mo (my 2nd personal). Instant Approval.
3. Alaskan Air Visa (BOA) - 25k miles + $100 statement credit $1k spend/3 mo (my 3rd!). Pending. Called - Approved.
4. US Air Barclays Mastercard - 35k miles first purchase (my 3rd!)
Pending, called, answered questions. Approved
5. British Airways Chase Visa - 50k miles $2k spend/3 mo (my 2nd - not 100% certain I'll get the bonus, but wanna guinea pig it while Chase Gift Cards are free). Pending, called, approved.
Aug 7, 2013, 1:57 am
#1329
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,453
Hi all, I have been reading this thread with interest and had a specific question regarding apps I was hoping to do.
After looking at my spend profile I decided it would benefit me to look at the following:
AMEX BCP - For Cash Back on Groceries & Gas
AMEX PRG or PLAT - Travel and Gas points along with groceries once cap on BCP is hit
AMEX SPG - Primarily for my SPG stays and the redemption partners
Chase Sapphire Preferred - Dining, Travel & redemption
My questions are:
1) As you can see there a number of AMEX cards here, can I apply for all of these in 1 go for minimal hit and is there a good likelihood with good credit for these to be approved (just want feedback certainly don't expect anyone to be able to give an exact answer) ?
2) If I apply for AMEX SPG & BCP now along with Chase, can I take advantage of AMEX PRG or PLAT sign up bonuses in a few months (under 12) ?
3) Lastly I will be working on a new auto lease in about 8 months so was hoping to get these cards added to the wallet and start making up for any negative hit before that time, any thoughts around timing here ?
Thanks so much all, much appreciated
WC
After looking at my spend profile I decided it would benefit me to look at the following:
AMEX BCP - For Cash Back on Groceries & Gas
AMEX PRG or PLAT - Travel and Gas points along with groceries once cap on BCP is hit
AMEX SPG - Primarily for my SPG stays and the redemption partners
Chase Sapphire Preferred - Dining, Travel & redemption
My questions are:
1) As you can see there a number of AMEX cards here, can I apply for all of these in 1 go for minimal hit and is there a good likelihood with good credit for these to be approved (just want feedback certainly don't expect anyone to be able to give an exact answer) ?
2) If I apply for AMEX SPG & BCP now along with Chase, can I take advantage of AMEX PRG or PLAT sign up bonuses in a few months (under 12) ?
3) Lastly I will be working on a new auto lease in about 8 months so was hoping to get these cards added to the wallet and start making up for any negative hit before that time, any thoughts around timing here ?
Thanks so much all, much appreciated
WC
Aug 7, 2013, 5:15 am
#1330
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SE coast USA
Programs: US, AA, AM, BA, HH, SPG, PC, Carlson, Marriott, Choice
Posts: 306
Aug 7, 2013, 6:52 am
#1331
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: AA Gold, US Silver, Starwood Gold, Starbucks Gold
Posts: 331
Thanks FlightNurse and aglasgow. I've read through the various threads on the SPG card, but can't figure out where the real value comes from. I don't stay in many hotels (and thereby get more than 1 point/dollar), so I'd only be getting 1 point/dollar on most of my purchases, right? Given my desired rewards would be in the form of miles/flights on United and US Air, I'm not sure the card makes sense for me. On United, the transfer ratio hurts me, and on US Air, this ends up getting me 1.25 points/dollar, right?
Most of my spending is on restaurants and travel.
Most of my spending is on restaurants and travel.
Aug 7, 2013, 6:57 am
#1332
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: PHL, maybe EWR
Programs: Plat IHG, Marriott Rewards Silver, CSP, Ink Bold, USDM, *Wood Gold, AA, Club Carl
Posts: 285
It sounds like CSP works best for your spending patterns and the rewards you are looking for.
Thanks FlightNurse and aglasgow. I've read through the various threads on the SPG card, but can't figure out where the real value comes from. I don't stay in many hotels (and thereby get more than 1 point/dollar), so I'd only be getting 1 point/dollar on most of my purchases, right? Given my desired rewards would be in the form of miles/flights on United and US Air, I'm not sure the card makes sense for me. On United, the transfer ratio hurts me, and on US Air, this ends up getting me 1.25 points/dollar, right?
Most of my spending is on restaurants and travel.
Most of my spending is on restaurants and travel.
Aug 7, 2013, 7:17 am
#1333
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: AA Gold, US Silver, Starwood Gold, Starbucks Gold
Posts: 331
Aug 7, 2013, 11:02 am
#1334
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SE coast USA
Programs: US, AA, AM, BA, HH, SPG, PC, Carlson, Marriott, Choice
Posts: 306
Thanks FlightNurse and aglasgow. I've read through the various threads on the SPG card, but can't figure out where the real value comes from. I don't stay in many hotels (and thereby get more than 1 point/dollar), so I'd only be getting 1 point/dollar on most of my purchases, right? Given my desired rewards would be in the form of miles/flights on United and US Air, I'm not sure the card makes sense for me. On United, the transfer ratio hurts me, and on US Air, this ends up getting me 1.25 points/dollar, right?
Most of my spending is on restaurants and travel.
Most of my spending is on restaurants and travel.
Aug 7, 2013, 2:47 pm
#1335
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: whatever comes with CCs
Posts: 1,082
Thanks FlightNurse and aglasgow. I've read through the various threads on the SPG card, but can't figure out where the real value comes from. I don't stay in many hotels (and thereby get more than 1 point/dollar), so I'd only be getting 1 point/dollar on most of my purchases, right? Given my desired rewards would be in the form of miles/flights on United and US Air, I'm not sure the card makes sense for me. On United, the transfer ratio hurts me, and on US Air, this ends up getting me 1.25 points/dollar, right?
Most of my spending is on restaurants and travel.
Most of my spending is on restaurants and travel.
What about Chase Ink? Ink/Sapphire/CSP trio with your current cashback cards would work real well for everyday spend. PRG is a good card for manufacturing grocery spend as well.
It will really come down to your travel goals. I recently got myself the flexperks and travelocity card to manufacture grocery spend. They are good cards to keep by themselves as I don't mind coach and can only travel in peak holiday season.