Greetings



I am thinking about picking up the hobby of reward points mining as my credit score and total debt are where they need to be. Currently my FICO 8 score is 714 and have an 11% utilization ratio. I have 5 hard pulls on my Experian report: 2 auto loans (shopping), 2 personal loans (shopping) and 1 credit card (Amazon) but the credit card is going off of my report on 11/11/2018.



I am currently using my Delta Plat Sky Miles card for everyday as the rest of my cards are just residents of my sock drawer. I currently have 27,000 miles on my account and a balance of $0. I recently got promoted this year and would like to travel more. Maybe 2-3 times a year.



I think over time I would like the Chase trifects of the Saphire, Freedom, and Freedom unlimited for max value and flexibility of points. I also want to get the AMEX SPG card as when I do go away I like to stay at one of their branded hotels.



With the AMEX Sky Miles card I get a free companion ticket each year which I have not used. I am thinking of applying for the AMEX SPG card and get the signing bonus then pair my current mileage and SPG bonus to go away using points to either cover or reduce the costs. That is the short game. Long game is to switch to the Chase UR program as United usually has good deals and you can transfer UR to SPG. I get the three cards over a span of 9 months but not sure what card to get first or even if I should get the SPG card first, or at all. Also I have been looking at the Citi Prestige card as every fourth night is free compared to the fifth with SPG.



If anyone can give me pointers or suggestions that would be greatly appreciated! Which card would you get first or do you have another combo that works?



Thanks again!

You don’t mention the Chase 5/24 rule, google that if you aren’t aware of it. Because of that rule, the usual recommendation is to get all the Chase cards you want first. But if you want the SPG Luxury card, I understand the appeal of getting it while the higher bonus is in effect. There are numerous blog posts with recommendations on how to build a portfolio of cards you could look at. Personally, I’d get the Sapphire Reserve first, since it is probably toughest to be approved for, and is quite useful all by itself.

one last thing—if you order from Amazon regularly, or are a Prime member and shop at Whole Foods, the Chase Amazon card is a pretty good one to have. I wouldn’t be in a rush to cancel it unless you really don’t expect to use it. If you mean the Amazon store card, it is more expendable, though look at the effect on your credit utilization cancelling it would have.

I want to add those cards to wallet soon but not sure where to start. The only thing stopping me from going CSR first is the current sign up bonus for the SPG Amex. SPG points are super valuable and I’m planning on going away in April. I already have Delta miles to cover my airfare but after I use my miles is when I’ll use UR. Not sure if getting the SPG card first makes sense though.

Have 0 opened credit cards past 24 months

714 Fico 8 but next update it’ll be higher as I bought my UT% from 42% to 5% and paid off one loan. Current student loans are at $160k and in forbearance.

My yearly income is $80k

That’s why I was leaning towards the SPG card. I stay at their properties often and the transfer to airline bonus is very nice. From what I read the UR are flexible which is why people like them.

Im going to look at that one, thanks. The approval odds scare me because of my student loan debt. So I was thinking of getting my score up to 740 then applying.

a lot of reading indeed. Does SPG points transfer to Mariott at a rate of 3:1? That’s why I was leaning towards the SPG card then transferring if need be.