Hi all, I have been reading the forums over the past few weeks and was wondering if anyone could give me advice on how to best maximize my chances for travel rewards. I hit some trouble a few years ago and my credit took a hit. The last time I checked my score was up to 714. I attempted to obtain the chase sapphire card, but ended up being declined due to lack of open accounts (I have open student loans and closed out credit card accounts from years ago but no revolving credit at the time I applied). I ended up obtaining a Capital one venture card 5k and going back to chase in an attempt to get my foot in the door for a chase freedom card at 3k. I figure I should establish a good history with these two cards for about a year before trying to go back and apply for more cards. My goals are a chase sapphire and an amex (maybe a blue?). In terms of spending I will be paying my balance off each month and will be seeking to keep my utilization at around 5%.

Are there any specific rewards programs for airlines/hotels/rentals that would be recommended that I focus on? I am a casual traveler but will probably be looking to do some trips this summer and an overseas trip at some point next year. Given the newness of my credit accounts does it make sense to wait a year before applying for another card? Between the two cards I do have should I focus my main spending on one card or another or both? Thank you for your time and I apologize in advance for my lack of knowledge in the area!

The basics are to stick to the airline or alliance that you might fly to the destinations you want to go, and the hotel chains that you might stay at either now or in the future. Waiting is fine, although you might want to try again at six months. With such a low credit limit higher utilization is to be expected, just don't roll your balance over and have to pay interest. Freedom is good because of the transferability of points through the Chase network. No need to spread your spend, as long as you don't get near about 80% of your credit limit on statement closing (remember that utilization is calculated when a statement cuts, so consider prepaying if you need to get it down).

You are smart to build up your credit score first. Many people on this board like to have a score over 750 before doing an AOR (app o rama).

Since you are waiting to apply, you have time to investigate how to proceed. Look at the destinations you want to go to, and plan around that. Look at the hotels that are in that location and take that into consideration when choosing a hotel reward program. The same with flights. Are you in a hub city for one of the major airlines?

Welcome to Flyertalk!

Thank you both for the welcome and advice. In terms of airlines I am located in NYC so would normally fly out of JFK, LGA or Newark. Not sure which airline is best to utilize, because in the past I would just go to a travel site and pick the lowest possible fare without thinking about loyalty programs.

Welcome to FT! good to see I'm not the newest person here anymore, lulz.

As you're probably aware, we have an entire sub-forum on frequent flier programs, so I'd start there for sure. About the best advice that this noob can give is this: If you're going to pick an airline to concentrate your business and mile accumulation on, try to pick one that is part of an alliance that covers the destinations that you really want to go to. that way, you can book tickets 'in network' with much less hassle.