Hint: Get the AmEx Platinum or Gold card for the very large signup bonus, then six months or so later apply for the AmEx Everyday (2x groceries, 50% points bonus if you make 20 purchases per monthly card cycle, no annual fee) or the AmEx Everyday Preferred (3x groceries, 2x gas, 50% point bonus if you swipe it 30 times in one monthly cycle, $95 annual fee). When the fee comes due on the Platinum or Gold Card, cancel it - the AmEx Everyday or Everyday Preferred will keep your Membership Rewards points alive at a much lower yearly cost (and they make good everyday spend cards as well).

But first, listen to everyone else! You want to slowly ease your way into the miles and points world, lest you do your credit score an injury. Personally, I'd recommend starting with one of the Chase cards, as these are wallet cards, not cards you churn, and they have excellent transfer partners. See how much spend you can handle before you sign up for more cards.

Thanks. I already have a Chase Amazon from 2009. That might make it difficulty to apply for three more Chase cards, no?

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry: BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.1030 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)

It might, and you don't need three more Chase cards. Get one Citi/AA card, and one Chase/UA card. Then, redeem for one-way awards on each. @:-)

There is a lot of good advice posted thus far, notably about aligning specific trip desires and the programs needed to accomplish these. Be sure to read up on how the FF programs work as well so you know what "free" travel actually entails (e.g., fuel surcharges).

That said, if you are itching to do something, get the United card with the 50k miles bonus that expires 9/2. Be sure to apply for the one that provides the $50 statement credit. If nothing else you have a track record with Chase, and you can use UA miles out of IAD in a variety of ways, even if it is not exotic locales in a premium travel class. Given your stated track record I would not recommend applying for more than one Chase card now.

Last thought: give BofA a call on the "dead" rewards card. It may well be the card is in some type of inactive state due to a lack of activity, the type of card being closed, etc. See if BofA can product change it to a new type of card without a hard credit pull. If the card is truly closed this will not work, but it's a short phone call to find out.

OP wants J to Asia. AA will do with a little extra spend, but United won't. Will have to grab Ink at a branch.