only VRs as MS?
 

I've read all over the place that it's best to vary the way that you do MS as to not arouse suspicion. If I'm not doing too much MS ($5k at most a month on a card compared to some people who do $50k in a month), will only using VRs be an issue as opposed to getting into the MO game?

I've been doing 5K+ of VRs for about a year - no problems.

awesome! Thanks for the info. What bank(s) is the CC that you do it on? I know a lot of people have had issues with Chase recently and like a lot of people most of the cards I have are Chase as of right now.

5k VR's you should be fine.

Personally I mix it up, a few on AmEx, a few on Chase, a few on Citi, or whatever I am meeting minimum spend for or racking up points for.

Several rude replies telling OP to "read" have been removed. There is no need to advise anyone to read the forums. If you would like to provide guidance, you should at least provide links to the threads you suggest reading, or provide a search term to use. Remember to create a welcoming environment for newcomers.

I would not get too stressed about it. Maybe use a couple of different cards to spread the spend around, but overall you should be fine. And frankly $5k a month is a great number for someone new to the game. It's never been so easy to conjure up $5k a month "spend" like this.

^^^

I run $15k / month on VRs + a few K using AP. We haven't had an issue yet but I do spread the love around between Barclay/Amex/Chase. I lean a bit heavier on Chase since we have a good overall banking relationship with them. With payments on the cards a couple of times between statements, it's been smooth sailing thusfar. Good luck. I only held out at the 5k level for about 2 weeks before deciding to ramp it up. Too damn addictive.

OP I would not waste your time for $5k in MS a month. If you are earning miles or points, then what will you earn in a year? If it takes multiple YEARS to earn something, then I highly doubt you will stay on top of your game and are likely to get stuck holding something. You would be better suited to just do apps and use your abilities for sign up bonuses.

OP is not using nearly as much time as you and I, this being the least time-consuming venture other than signup bonuses, and is earning a Y trip to Europe in a year for $474 or a C trip in 2 years for twice that, assuming OP is using a 1x airline CC. The OP may ramp it up as OP becomes more comfortable with it, but treading lightly in the beginning is a good idea.

Also, OP may also be fulfilling spend requirements on new cards while doing this.

Exactly what I do. In between meeting spending bonuses for cards (Citi Executive AAdvantage on the way!), I maintain some level of MS. You can always do with a few more Starpoints, Amex MRs, or Chase URs. Once you learn how to look for program redemption sweet spots, it's amazing what 60K extra miles/points per year can get you. Plus, it keeps up a spending pattern so that I don't suddenly go from spending 75K per year on cards to 140K.

VR:
bluebird, + netspend various spending.
moneypacks
for which there are a ton of outlets.

Lastly, visa gift cards can be purchased at various places which can give you a high volume per month, depending on your comfort level and the comfort of your money order place and bank. I can get into more specifics if needed

there are other ways but I do not use them

This is pretty close to what I do.

Not 5K/month on the same card. Spread around.

Can I buy 5K/month of VRs? is a different question than: How much can I spend per month on a card?

My monthly spend on a card is determined by multiple factors such as my credit limit and spending pattern for that card. For example, if I was recently approved for a card with credit limit of 5K, I would not buy 5K worth of gift cards the first week after activation.

I know you are the snark police, but I did not think I was being snarky. I was suggesting exactly what you said above. Use the $5k per month to hit sign on bonuses. Venturing off that well worn path, requires upkeep, maintenance, time, etc. that many will not/can not/should not engage in. OP struck me as that category, based upon a review of her posts, which encompasses most of the people I know.

Sorry to you and OP if it came across that way. I generally just keep the groans, rolling eyes, etc. to myself, lol.