when can i cancel card after miles post

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Dec 27, 2010 | 11:58 am

bj501

Original Poster

Join Date: May 2006

Posts: 91

when can i cancel card after miles post

I received my AA Visa in July, 2010 and after spending required amount
the miles posted in mid- november.

What is the general thought on how soon i can cancel the card without
worrying about them recouping the miles, or is this nothing to worry
about. Also, i have another card that i got a bonus just for signing up.
when can i cancel that one.

i am trying to free up in case i need to churn more cards.

Dec 27, 2010 | 1:28 pm

clacko

In Memoriam

Join Date: Apr 2001

Location: dallas texas usa

Programs: aa plt 4.9MM LTAC

Posts: 14,828

the general rule that i've seen often is 6 months.....some 1 may confirm this re the aavisa....what is the other card? good luck...

there is a thread below noob ?'s on cc canceling that might be of interest to you....there i the search ability available....

Last edited by clacko; Dec 27, 2010 at 1:35 pm

Dec 27, 2010 | 2:17 pm

bj501

Original Poster

Join Date: May 2006

Posts: 91

My other card is the continental card.

I have no problem waitin the 6 but any other opinions are welcome

Dec 27, 2010 | 3:23 pm

FrequentFlyer9000

Join Date: Sep 2006

Posts: 526

Wait why would you wait 6 months? I am a bit ignorant on this, but has anyone actually had miles WITHDRAWN from their account like that? As I understand it, if you fulfill the legal obligations in the T&C of the credit card they have no grounds for retroactively removing miles they already posted.

Best move is to spend them ASAP.

Then there is nothing to take back.

Edit: It appears 6 months is the rule of thumb on FT, so I did not mean to mislead above.

Last edited by FrequentFlyer9000; Dec 27, 2010 at 3:35 pm

Dec 27, 2010 | 5:19 pm

johndeere19

Join Date: Sep 2009

Programs: *G, SPG, OW Sapphire

Posts: 2,568

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrequentFlyer9000

Then there is nothing to take back.

Edit: It appears 6 months is the rule of thumb on FT, so I did not mean to mislead above.

People have had miles withdrawn from their accounts...worse yet, people have used the miles they earned, canceled cards, then an attempt to withdraw the miles back is made, but there are obviously no miles left in the account, so the airline comes back and demands you pay retail for the balance (aka pricey!).

Dec 27, 2010 | 5:26 pm

FrequentFlyer9000

Join Date: Sep 2006

Posts: 526

Quote:

Originally Posted by johndeere19

In the cases you cite, were there explicit stipulations about this in the T&C of the credit card offer? Link?

I suppose it is this line in the T&C: "We may change the terms of this reward program at our discretion. If you violate or abuse this reward program, you may forfeit some or all of your miles."

Way to be nebulous, CC companies. I don't blame them though. Still, a bit slimy.

Dec 28, 2010 | 10:23 am

bj501

Original Poster

Join Date: May 2006

Posts: 91

that retribution is what i want to avoid. so i gather 6 months is a reasonable time to avoid the perception i was just churning. i will assume its 6 months from day of getting card and not getting the miles.

Dec 28, 2010 | 10:39 am

wise2u

Join Date: Mar 2010

Posts: 1,173

not just miles

Quote:

Originally Posted by bj501

It is not just the risk of having miles yanked, it also does not look good on your credit report. Credit card companies can deny you for opening and quickly closing cards over and over. Chase denied me for having too many cards opened in a short time. I usually wait until the annual fee comes due and then cancel, so I can use that as a legitimate reason why I am closing the account. It also looks better on my credit report to pay a card ontime for a full year before requesting it be closed.
if you are trying to churn (which is near impossible anymore) 6 months seems long enough...just be aware that it might take another year (or more) after you cancel to be eligible for a bonus again.