Jan 2, 2017, 9:16 am
Last edit by: yugi
Ways to get high rewards or bonus on credit card spending:
1. sign-on bonus, miles, UR or MR points, free nights and cash rewards
2. on-going rewards, points or cashback
3. spending bonus for extra points/$ or status, like spending $10,000 to get extra 20k points etc.
Cards with large spending bonus: (alphabetical)
AmEx Delta Skymiles Gold: $25,000 MQD waived for elite status
AmEx HH Ascend: $40,000 to Diamond
Barclay Aviator Red: $25,000 for $3,000 EQD
BofA Merrill +: $50,000 for additional $200 travel credit
Chase Ritz Carlton: $10,000 to renew Gold status. Subject to change from 8/1/2018
Chase United MileagePlus Explorer: $25,000 for 10,000 United miles
A lot more to list...
Cards that earn better than 1 airline mile (or points convertible 1:1 to airline miles) per dollar: (alphabetical)
Amex Blue Business Plus - 2x MRs on up to $50k per year. No AF, FTF.
Amex Blue for Business - 1.3x MRs (Another card needed in order to transfer, such as Amex ED/EDP/PRG/BGR/Plat etc). No AF, FTF. Discontinued, replaced by BBP.
Amex Business Platinum - 1.5x for charges over $5,000 up to 1M extra points ($2M spend) AF $450, no FTF. Many other perks.
Amex EveryDay - 1.2x if you make 20+ charges per cycle. No AF, FTF.
Amex EveryDay Preferred - 1.5x if you make 30+ charges per cycle. AF $95, FTF.
Bank of America Virgin Atlantic MasterCard - 1.5x VS miles, 2x if you spend $15k per year, 2.1x if you spend $25k per year. AF $90, no FTF.
Bank of America Air France KLM Mastercard - 1.5x AF miles. AF $89, no FTF.
Barclaycard Arrival Premier - 1.43x for all partners except JAL, AC (1.18x). You will get 2.14x on all partners except JAL, AC (1.76x), if you spend $15k or $25k per year. AF $150, FYF, no FTF. Discontinued.
Capital One Venture X Visa - 2x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. AF $395, no FTF, many other perks.
Capital One Spark Miles Business Visa - 2x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture Visa - 2x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture One Visa - 1.25x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. no AF, no FTF.
Capital One Spark Miles Select Business Visa - 1.5x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. No AF, no FTF.
Chase Freedom Unlimited Visa - 1.5x URs (Another card needed in order to transfer, such as CSR/CSP/Ink Plus/Ink Bold/Ink Preferred). No AF, FTF.
Chase Ink Unlimited Business Visa - 1.5x URs, Same as Freedom Unlimited
Citi Double Cash MC - 2x TYP. You need a premium Citi card, (Premier, Prestige or Chairman) to transfer to partners other than JetBlue at 1:1 ratio. No AF, FTF.
Cards that earn hotel points
Amex Hilton Honors - 3x HH points, no AF, no FTF
Amex Hilton Honors Surpass - 3x HH points, AF $95, no FTF, some perks
Amex Hilton Honors Business - 3x HH points, AF $95, no FTF, some perks
Amex Hilton Honors Aspire - 3x HH points, AF $450, no FTF, lots of perks.
Amex Bonvoy - 2x Marriott points. AF $95, FYF, no FTF. Discontinued.
Amex Bonvoy Business - same as Amex Bonvoy. AF $125, no FTF.
Amex Bonvoy Brilliant - same as Amex Bonvoy. AF $450
Barclaycard Choice Privileges Visa - 2x on everything. No AF, FTF.
Barclaycard Wyndham Rewards Visa - 2x (grandfathered versions 2x on everything). AF $69/$0, FTF.
Chase Bonvoy Boundless Visa - same as Amex Bonvoy.
Chase IHG Traveler MC - 2x on everything. No AF, no FTF.
Chase IHG Premier/Premier Business MC - 3x on everything. AF $99, no FTF.
Chase Ritz-Carlton Visa Infinite - same as Amex Bonvoy. AF $450, no FTF. Discontinued, but can be obtained via PC from another Chase Bonvoy card.
FNBO Best Western Rewards Premium MC - 2x BW points. AF $59, no FTF
FNBO Best Western Rewards MC - 2x BW points. No AF, no FTF
2%+ Cashback Cards: (by % amount)
US Bank Altitude Reserve Visa - 4.5% towards travel (cashout possible), if you use Android Pay, Samsung Pay, Apple Pay or LG Pay for in-person, in-app or online purchases. AF $400, no FTF, many other perks.
Barclaycard Priceline Rewards Visa (grandfathered 2x/5x version) - 3.33% if redeemed against Priceline or travel purchases, 2% if redeemed for everything else. No AF, no FTF.
AOD CU Visa Signature - 3% on everything. No AF, no FTF. Discontinued.
Synchrony Paypal Cashback Mastercard - 3% if paid with Paypal, 2% everywhere else, no AF, FTF.
Barclaycard Arrival Premier MC - 3% if you spend exactly $15k or $25k, 2%, if you spend less than $15k. AF $150, FYF, no FTF, some perks. Discontinued.
Bank of America Travel Rewards Visa (with Platinum (Honors) Preferred Rewards) - 2.25/2.625%. No AF, no FTF.
Bank of America Premium Rewards Visa (with Platinum (Honors) Preferred Rewards) - 2.25/2.625%. AF $95, no FTF, some perks.
Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Visa (with Platinum (Honors) Preferred Rewards) - 2.25/2.625%. AF $550, no FTF, many other perks.
USAA Limitless Cashback Rewards Visa - 2.5% (must be USAA member, with $1k direct deposit per month). no AF. Discontinued.
Alliant Cashback Visa Signature - 2.5% up to $10k per cycle, if you have $1k on your checking account. No AF, no FTF.
Barclaycard Arrival Plus MasterCard - 2.1% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $89, no FTF. Discontinued.
Discover it Miles - 3% (first year only, 1.5% after that). No AF, no FTF.
Exactly 2% Cashback Cards: (alphabetical)
Amex Blue Business Cash - 2% on up to $50k per year. No AF, FTF.
BBVA Compass Rewards Visa - 2%, if you receive $1000 in direct deposits per month to checking account. No AF.
Blispay Visa - 2%. No AF.
Citi Double Cash MasterCard - 2%. No AF, FTF.
Capital One Spark Cash Business Visa - 2%. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Spark Miles Business Visa - 2% if redeemed for travel. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture Visa - 2% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture X Visa - 2% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $395, no FTF, many other perks.
Fidelity Rewards Visa - 2%. No AF.
PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa (with Honors Advantage) - 2%. No AF, no FTF.
PNC Premier Traveler Visa - 2% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $85, FYF, no FTF.
State Department Federal CU Premium Cashback+ Visa - 2%, no AF, no FTF.
Synchrony Paypal Cashback MC - 2% for non-PayPal purchases, no AF, FTF.
Too many to list.
1. sign-on bonus, miles, UR or MR points, free nights and cash rewards
2. on-going rewards, points or cashback
3. spending bonus for extra points/$ or status, like spending $10,000 to get extra 20k points etc.
Cards with large spending bonus: (alphabetical)
AmEx Delta Skymiles Gold: $25,000 MQD waived for elite status
AmEx HH Ascend: $40,000 to Diamond
Barclay Aviator Red: $25,000 for $3,000 EQD
BofA Merrill +: $50,000 for additional $200 travel credit
Chase Ritz Carlton: $10,000 to renew Gold status. Subject to change from 8/1/2018
Chase United MileagePlus Explorer: $25,000 for 10,000 United miles
A lot more to list...
Cards that earn better than 1 airline mile (or points convertible 1:1 to airline miles) per dollar: (alphabetical)
Amex Blue Business Plus - 2x MRs on up to $50k per year. No AF, FTF.
Amex Blue for Business - 1.3x MRs (Another card needed in order to transfer, such as Amex ED/EDP/PRG/BGR/Plat etc). No AF, FTF. Discontinued, replaced by BBP.
Amex Business Platinum - 1.5x for charges over $5,000 up to 1M extra points ($2M spend) AF $450, no FTF. Many other perks.
Amex EveryDay - 1.2x if you make 20+ charges per cycle. No AF, FTF.
Amex EveryDay Preferred - 1.5x if you make 30+ charges per cycle. AF $95, FTF.
Bank of America Virgin Atlantic MasterCard - 1.5x VS miles, 2x if you spend $15k per year, 2.1x if you spend $25k per year. AF $90, no FTF.
Bank of America Air France KLM Mastercard - 1.5x AF miles. AF $89, no FTF.
Barclaycard Arrival Premier - 1.43x for all partners except JAL, AC (1.18x). You will get 2.14x on all partners except JAL, AC (1.76x), if you spend $15k or $25k per year. AF $150, FYF, no FTF. Discontinued.
Capital One Venture X Visa - 2x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. AF $395, no FTF, many other perks.
Capital One Spark Miles Business Visa - 2x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture Visa - 2x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture One Visa - 1.25x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. no AF, no FTF.
Capital One Spark Miles Select Business Visa - 1.5x on all partners, except Accor and EVA. No AF, no FTF.
Chase Freedom Unlimited Visa - 1.5x URs (Another card needed in order to transfer, such as CSR/CSP/Ink Plus/Ink Bold/Ink Preferred). No AF, FTF.
Chase Ink Unlimited Business Visa - 1.5x URs, Same as Freedom Unlimited
Citi Double Cash MC - 2x TYP. You need a premium Citi card, (Premier, Prestige or Chairman) to transfer to partners other than JetBlue at 1:1 ratio. No AF, FTF.
Cards that earn hotel points
Amex Hilton Honors - 3x HH points, no AF, no FTF
Amex Hilton Honors Surpass - 3x HH points, AF $95, no FTF, some perks
Amex Hilton Honors Business - 3x HH points, AF $95, no FTF, some perks
Amex Hilton Honors Aspire - 3x HH points, AF $450, no FTF, lots of perks.
Amex Bonvoy - 2x Marriott points. AF $95, FYF, no FTF. Discontinued.
Amex Bonvoy Business - same as Amex Bonvoy. AF $125, no FTF.
Amex Bonvoy Brilliant - same as Amex Bonvoy. AF $450
Barclaycard Choice Privileges Visa - 2x on everything. No AF, FTF.
Barclaycard Wyndham Rewards Visa - 2x (grandfathered versions 2x on everything). AF $69/$0, FTF.
Chase Bonvoy Boundless Visa - same as Amex Bonvoy.
Chase IHG Traveler MC - 2x on everything. No AF, no FTF.
Chase IHG Premier/Premier Business MC - 3x on everything. AF $99, no FTF.
Chase Ritz-Carlton Visa Infinite - same as Amex Bonvoy. AF $450, no FTF. Discontinued, but can be obtained via PC from another Chase Bonvoy card.
FNBO Best Western Rewards Premium MC - 2x BW points. AF $59, no FTF
FNBO Best Western Rewards MC - 2x BW points. No AF, no FTF
2%+ Cashback Cards: (by % amount)
US Bank Altitude Reserve Visa - 4.5% towards travel (cashout possible), if you use Android Pay, Samsung Pay, Apple Pay or LG Pay for in-person, in-app or online purchases. AF $400, no FTF, many other perks.
Barclaycard Priceline Rewards Visa (grandfathered 2x/5x version) - 3.33% if redeemed against Priceline or travel purchases, 2% if redeemed for everything else. No AF, no FTF.
AOD CU Visa Signature - 3% on everything. No AF, no FTF. Discontinued.
Synchrony Paypal Cashback Mastercard - 3% if paid with Paypal, 2% everywhere else, no AF, FTF.
Barclaycard Arrival Premier MC - 3% if you spend exactly $15k or $25k, 2%, if you spend less than $15k. AF $150, FYF, no FTF, some perks. Discontinued.
Bank of America Travel Rewards Visa (with Platinum (Honors) Preferred Rewards) - 2.25/2.625%. No AF, no FTF.
Bank of America Premium Rewards Visa (with Platinum (Honors) Preferred Rewards) - 2.25/2.625%. AF $95, no FTF, some perks.
Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Visa (with Platinum (Honors) Preferred Rewards) - 2.25/2.625%. AF $550, no FTF, many other perks.
USAA Limitless Cashback Rewards Visa - 2.5% (must be USAA member, with $1k direct deposit per month). no AF. Discontinued.
Alliant Cashback Visa Signature - 2.5% up to $10k per cycle, if you have $1k on your checking account. No AF, no FTF.
Barclaycard Arrival Plus MasterCard - 2.1% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $89, no FTF. Discontinued.
Discover it Miles - 3% (first year only, 1.5% after that). No AF, no FTF.
Exactly 2% Cashback Cards: (alphabetical)
Amex Blue Business Cash - 2% on up to $50k per year. No AF, FTF.
BBVA Compass Rewards Visa - 2%, if you receive $1000 in direct deposits per month to checking account. No AF.
Blispay Visa - 2%. No AF.
Citi Double Cash MasterCard - 2%. No AF, FTF.
Capital One Spark Cash Business Visa - 2%. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Spark Miles Business Visa - 2% if redeemed for travel. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture Visa - 2% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $95, FYF, no FTF.
Capital One Venture X Visa - 2% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $395, no FTF, many other perks.
Fidelity Rewards Visa - 2%. No AF.
PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa (with Honors Advantage) - 2%. No AF, no FTF.
PNC Premier Traveler Visa - 2% if you redeem for travel purchases. AF $85, FYF, no FTF.
State Department Federal CU Premium Cashback+ Visa - 2%, no AF, no FTF.
Synchrony Paypal Cashback MC - 2% for non-PayPal purchases, no AF, FTF.
Too many to list.
Which card(s) to use for high spend or large purchases? [Consolidated]
Oct 31, 2015, 9:34 pm
#166
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Intermountain West
Programs: Too many to list
Posts: 12,082
Welcome to FT! ^
First, I'd decide which city/cities you want to visit. Use kayak.com or google flights. After you decide which city/cities to visit then you can pick an airline or alliance. Then decide if you can live with coach travel or want business/first. Only then can we give you tips on cards. Make sense?
BTW, more miles can usually be accumulated with card signup bonuses vs spending. Many cards offer 30K>60K signup bonuses, plus whatever you spend. Take a look at these fora: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/credi...-programs-390/
First, I'd decide which city/cities you want to visit. Use kayak.com or google flights. After you decide which city/cities to visit then you can pick an airline or alliance. Then decide if you can live with coach travel or want business/first. Only then can we give you tips on cards. Make sense?
BTW, more miles can usually be accumulated with card signup bonuses vs spending. Many cards offer 30K>60K signup bonuses, plus whatever you spend. Take a look at these fora: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/credi...-programs-390/
Nov 11, 2015, 12:52 pm
#167
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 2
Re: Big Spending Soon. What's the Best Card to Open?
Welcome to FT! ^
First, I'd decide which city/cities you want to visit. Use kayak.com or google flights. After you decide which city/cities to visit then you can pick an airline or alliance. Then decide if you can live with coach travel or want business/first. Only then can we give you tips on cards. Make sense?
BTW, more miles can usually be accumulated with card signup bonuses vs spending. Many cards offer 30K>60K signup bonuses, plus whatever you spend. Take a look at these fora: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/credi...-programs-390/
First, I'd decide which city/cities you want to visit. Use kayak.com or google flights. After you decide which city/cities to visit then you can pick an airline or alliance. Then decide if you can live with coach travel or want business/first. Only then can we give you tips on cards. Make sense?
BTW, more miles can usually be accumulated with card signup bonuses vs spending. Many cards offer 30K>60K signup bonuses, plus whatever you spend. Take a look at these fora: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/credi...-programs-390/
. I look forward to your (and other members) input! Best!!
Nov 11, 2015, 9:59 pm
#168
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 15
Hi All,
Newbie here, so my apologies if I am not posting this in the right area.
Here is my scenario:
I currently have the Discover More Platinum, Blue from American Express, Chase Freedom and Citi Diamond Preferred cards with a FICO score of 780-800 depending on the source and an average age of 8 years. I didn't get into churning before, so I don't have a lot of points or miles currently - I think I have about 4000 points in both Amex MR and Chase UR.
I don't have a lot of travel or dining expenses but I usually average around $1500-$2000 for groceries, gas, bills, etc. and another $1500 for mortgage.
So with that being the case, what cards would be best for me to start with?
Newbie here, so my apologies if I am not posting this in the right area.
Here is my scenario:
I currently have the Discover More Platinum, Blue from American Express, Chase Freedom and Citi Diamond Preferred cards with a FICO score of 780-800 depending on the source and an average age of 8 years. I didn't get into churning before, so I don't have a lot of points or miles currently - I think I have about 4000 points in both Amex MR and Chase UR.
I don't have a lot of travel or dining expenses but I usually average around $1500-$2000 for groceries, gas, bills, etc. and another $1500 for mortgage.
So with that being the case, what cards would be best for me to start with?
Nov 12, 2015, 5:18 am
#169
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Florida
Posts: 274
Hi All,
Newbie here, so my apologies if I am not posting this in the right area.
Here is my scenario:
I currently have the Discover More Platinum, Blue from American Express, Chase Freedom and Citi Diamond Preferred cards with a FICO score of 780-800 depending on the source and an average age of 8 years. I didn't get into churning before, so I don't have a lot of points or miles currently - I think I have about 4000 points in both Amex MR and Chase UR.
I don't have a lot of travel or dining expenses but I usually average around $1500-$2000 for groceries, gas, bills, etc. and another $1500 for mortgage.
So with that being the case, what cards would be best for me to start with?
Newbie here, so my apologies if I am not posting this in the right area.
Here is my scenario:
I currently have the Discover More Platinum, Blue from American Express, Chase Freedom and Citi Diamond Preferred cards with a FICO score of 780-800 depending on the source and an average age of 8 years. I didn't get into churning before, so I don't have a lot of points or miles currently - I think I have about 4000 points in both Amex MR and Chase UR.
I don't have a lot of travel or dining expenses but I usually average around $1500-$2000 for groceries, gas, bills, etc. and another $1500 for mortgage.
So with that being the case, what cards would be best for me to start with?
Nov 12, 2015, 12:16 pm
#170
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 15
Nov 12, 2015, 12:23 pm
#171
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,958
Nov 12, 2015, 3:45 pm
#173
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Florida
Posts: 274
According to this (http://frequentmiler.boardingarea.co...ash-50k-limit/), that card is only worth it if you have more than $6500 in spend. So how would that work in my case?
Nov 15, 2015, 10:40 pm
#174
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 15
Gas is about $200-$300, depending on if there is any travel involved that month. Bills are consistent at about $300. Groceries are the biggest variable - some months, it's $1000. Others, it's $800 or $1500. But usually around $1000 is a good bet.
Nov 21, 2015, 4:28 am
#175
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: United Platinum, Marriott Platinum, IHG Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 221
Suggestions for 20K spend in next month
We need to spend 20K before year end in non bonus categories. We are not going to be applying for any new cards in the next month, so unfortunately the spend will not go towards any sign on bonuses. Credit limit is not an issue. My gut says to put it on the Citi Double Cash card but I wanted to see if I am missing any annual spend benefits such as free hotel nights or points that our family could use for leisure travel.
Here is the current list of cards we could use:
AA
Barclays Aviator
Citi AA Plat
United
Chase Biz
IHG
Personal
SPG
Personal
Biz
Carlson
Personal
BA
Personal
Bank Points/Cash back
Chase Ink
Citi Double Cash
Amex PRG
Citi TY Premier
Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
Here is the current list of cards we could use:
AA
Barclays Aviator
Citi AA Plat
United
Chase Biz
IHG
Personal
SPG
Personal
Biz
Carlson
Personal
BA
Personal
Bank Points/Cash back
Chase Ink
Citi Double Cash
Amex PRG
Citi TY Premier
Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
Nov 21, 2015, 6:07 am
#177
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: United Platinum, Marriott Platinum, IHG Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 221
Suggestions for 20K spend in next month
Thanks. All the cards have had 5K or less spend this year except the Citi Double Cash, which has been pretty much my go-to card.
Nov 21, 2015, 7:32 am
#178
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Sunny AZ
Programs: HH Diamond, Sixt Platinum, IHG Spire Ambassador, Marriott/SPG Gold .....
Posts: 3,214
Suggestions for 20K spend in next month
When do you get the companion ticket on the BA card? Saved me a lot of miles first class to India 
Nov 21, 2015, 11:46 am
#179
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Pacific NW
Programs: AS MVP, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 126
I would put it on the SPG, enough to transfer to an airline for 25k miles. However in one month, you will need to watch the credit limit. I don't know if paying multiple times in one month for Amex will trigger a review. Or you could call, explain the situation and ask for a credit line increase.