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 17, 2014, 10:07 pm
#76
Join Date: Apr 2012
Programs: 25 million points to burn!
Posts: 1,522
Oct 18, 2014, 6:33 am
#77
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: mci
Programs: aa
Posts: 669
Thanks! I had totally forgot about that one.
I had read about that you can cancel the card before the end of the first cycle and the $450 will be refunded. Do I need to pay it off before I cancel? I have the cash to do the whole kitchen, so that isn't a problem.
I had read about that you can cancel the card before the end of the first cycle and the $450 will be refunded. Do I need to pay it off before I cancel? I have the cash to do the whole kitchen, so that isn't a problem.
Oct 18, 2014, 10:49 am
#79
Moderator: Travel Buzz
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Sunny San Diego
Posts: 3,099
Also any grocery store bonus, such as 2x on Amex with the various swipe bonuses of 20-30% for the Everyday Cards, can be boosted by buying gift cards at the grocery store. I've never seen an Ikea gc, but I've never looked, either. They definitely have an array of cards. I recently saw an Ebay variable load, too!
My usual advice is to know where you want to go, and who flies there, then work backwards to get the points needed. Then you can focus this opportunity in one Alliance or a travel goal, and make sure that your resulting points will help you achieve the goal. You didn't say how many are travelling or where you'd like to go.
For myself... I'd do a Chase Ink, Chase Bold (going away) and a UA personal, plus a non-Chase Hotel card or two. Ambitious, yes, but possible, especially as a 3-6 month plan. You could most likely pull off this if your Fico score is high and you don't have large credit lines at Chase.
OR-- a focus on the One World alliance-- AA and US Air, plus the hotel card, and supplement with a BA, and a big fat Amex offer for more BA points.
Oct 19, 2014, 4:33 pm
#80
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: DEN
Posts: 502
Also any grocery store bonus, such as 2x on Amex with the various swipe bonuses of 20-30% for the Everyday Cards, can be boosted by buying gift cards at the grocery store. I've never seen an Ikea gc, but I've never looked, either. They definitely have an array of cards. I recently saw an Ebay variable load, too!
US Bank Cash+ is the only card I'm aware of with a 5% category bonus for IKEA. But the limit is 2,000 per quarter.
Feb 2, 2015, 4:18 pm
#81
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 9
About to make a big ($24,000) purchase
Hi folks - I'm kind of a newby at this but I have been churning for some time now and have been enjoying some nice free flights.
At present I have my long-time Citi AAdvantage World Elite, a second Citi AAdvantage Premium Select that I just took out for the 50,000 reward, a MC IHG Rewards Club card (for the free night it provides)...and that's it.
I'm about to make a $24,000 purchase that has be be paid in full by credit card.
My question...what is the best card to use or to get...what is the best way to make this purchase? I will be paying the card off immediately after it's billed.
Thanks for any help.
Cheers, Dori
At present I have my long-time Citi AAdvantage World Elite, a second Citi AAdvantage Premium Select that I just took out for the 50,000 reward, a MC IHG Rewards Club card (for the free night it provides)...and that's it.
I'm about to make a $24,000 purchase that has be be paid in full by credit card.
My question...what is the best card to use or to get...what is the best way to make this purchase? I will be paying the card off immediately after it's billed.
Thanks for any help.
Cheers, Dori
Feb 2, 2015, 4:46 pm
#82
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,584
Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry: BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.1030 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)
Does the entire $24K have to be charged to a single card, or can the charge be split among two or more cards?
If it has to be charged to a single card, your options will be limited to those cards (if any) on which your credit limit exceeds $24K.
Does the entire $24K have to be charged to a single card, or can the charge be split among two or more cards?
If it has to be charged to a single card, your options will be limited to those cards (if any) on which your credit limit exceeds $24K.
Feb 2, 2015, 6:29 pm
#83
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: WN A+ CP, UA 1MM/*A Gold, Mar LT Tit, IHG Plat, HH Dia
Posts: 6,284
There are several ways to answer this question. Each answer makes an assumption about your situation.
1. You'll get the best return if you split up the charge across several new cards to earn the signup bonus on each one. This method assumes a) you can get a bunch of new cards, and b) you can split the $24k charge. Note with regard to (b) that many merchants will let you split up a big charge into smaller payments or installments. They may charge a fee for this, but the value of the signup bonuses will likely dwarf the extra fees.
2. If you have to put the whole charge on one card, you might look at getting the Starwood card. They pay 1 point/dollar but their points are considered to be worth 2-3%. This also assumes you want hotel (or airline) points, as opposed to cash, and can get a new card.
3. If you prefer cash and can get a new card, the Citi 1+1 card pays 2% cash.
4. If you're limited to the three cards you already have, charge it to either of your AA cards. Their points are worth way more than IHG points.
1. You'll get the best return if you split up the charge across several new cards to earn the signup bonus on each one. This method assumes a) you can get a bunch of new cards, and b) you can split the $24k charge. Note with regard to (b) that many merchants will let you split up a big charge into smaller payments or installments. They may charge a fee for this, but the value of the signup bonuses will likely dwarf the extra fees.
2. If you have to put the whole charge on one card, you might look at getting the Starwood card. They pay 1 point/dollar but their points are considered to be worth 2-3%. This also assumes you want hotel (or airline) points, as opposed to cash, and can get a new card.
3. If you prefer cash and can get a new card, the Citi 1+1 card pays 2% cash.
4. If you're limited to the three cards you already have, charge it to either of your AA cards. Their points are worth way more than IHG points.
Feb 2, 2015, 6:33 pm
#84
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,404
Depending on what the purchase is, some credit cards offer free insurance for new purchases and other benefits. Good customer service can matter if there are problems with the item.
Feb 2, 2015, 6:41 pm
#85
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,600
What type of purchase is it? Some cards offer bonus miles based on category or merchant. One example is office supplies/furniture earn 5 miles per $1 with certain Chase cards, computers 3x with some Amex cards. Also, check out the AA or UA e-shopping portals as you can get multiple miles per $1 just for clicking thru to merchant from the e-shopping portal... in addition to miles from using your credit card.
Feb 2, 2015, 7:24 pm
#86
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: LAS, MPL
Programs: DL Platinum, 1 MM
Posts: 1,320
Don't forget to check your credit line, you my not have $24K on any one of your cards. And even if you do, make sure you pay it off before the statement closes, otherwise your utilization may go through the roof and your credit score will take a dive for a few cycles.
Feb 2, 2015, 9:39 pm
#88
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: BKK
Programs: AA Plat, HH Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,395
Good luck!
Moderator, Information Desk
Feb 3, 2015, 3:29 am
#89
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,607
About to make a big ($24,000) purchase
You realise the vendor is paying fees for taking payment by credit card. for a purchase like this you can almost certainly negotiate a larger saving by offering to pay "cash" (I.e. bank transfer or cheque) than the credit card will offer you in miles. The vendor should be offering you ~5% of for cash which is over a thousand dollars.
Feb 3, 2015, 5:34 am
#90
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 96
You realise the vendor is paying fees for taking payment by credit card. for a purchase like this you can almost certainly negotiate a larger saving by offering to pay "cash" (I.e. bank transfer or cheque) than the credit card will offer you in miles. The vendor should be offering you ~5% of for cash which is over a thousand dollars.