Hi members,

I've been lurker for about a week and have somewhat gathered a bit of knowledge by piecing posts together. What i haven't been able to find is a good primer from someone looking to accumulate points.

I am flying to Scotland and Italy next summer from Atlanta and would like to accumulate points to pay for the trip. I also regularly fly domestic 2-3 times a year.

Here's what I gathered so far, and please correct me if I am wrong. There's just so much info here:

- credit card promos are they best possible way to gain points
- apply for multiple credit cards on the same day to avoid issuers from seeing pulls
- you can apply for new credit cards after 3-6 months, without incurring to many pulls. (I am assuming this is debatable, with as little as 1 month)
- There are cards best suited for hotel points. AMEX points are terrible for Starwoods points

I am married and own a business, so I am assuming it's possible to have 3 different accounts associated to me. Can you guys give me some pointers or provide a link to a past thread which can serve as a handbook for this crazy hobby?

Thanks guys!

Hi, there's really no primer and FT is so full of noise that it takes a while to get up to speed. You have to put in the time and effort. If I were you, I'd read the first couple pages of active MilesBuzz threads with lots of posts -- that'll give you a good idea of what deals are hot/active now and the latest strategies for maximizing miles. And I'd also educate yourself on things you don't understand by searching past threads.

One obvious thing -- you should definitely jump on the Citi AA deal before it goes away. That's an easy 75K+75K miles, and even a 3rd 75K if you can get the Biz card. Beyond that, you have to decide if you want to go for the other 5+ offers now that are pretty good, or pick and choose and go easy on your credit score. Also, lots of folks here rave about the SPG Amex cards for their regular usage; the current 25K offer is good but not knock your socks off amazing (I'm happy to give you a referral -- shameless plug).

As for your Q's. Yes, credit card promos seem to be the best way to get points quickly. Other than BankDirect (if you have a lot of money in the bank) and flying a ton, nothing else really adds up that quickly. And re "you can apply for new credit cards after 3-6 months, without incurring to many pulls" -- I'm not sure what you mean; a pull is a pull and stays on your record for 10 (7?) years.

A credit "pull" or inquiry only stays on your credit report for 2 years (FICO says it only reduces your score for one year.)

Here is the link to the AA citi offer:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/miles...-up-bonus.html

And a CO offer:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/miles...nnual-fee.html

You might consider looking at this site:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/17745143/F...Flier-Tipsheet

A very good website for the beginner is pgary's site:
www.freefrequentflyermiles.com

welcome to FT

Since you are based in Atlanta, that's a DL hub. Consider deals some may know of whereas you can transfer MR points to DL... like 100k MR = 150k DL --deal ends in MAY. You have to see if I got this one right but I believe I do.

Another thing I would suggest is:

COINS

Just.... Coins

Lots to learn on that but even the closed thread on it works nicely for starters.

oh, and that gig on Delta sky bonus. If you have a business, you can get some perks with that as well.

Forgive my post not sharing any links. but search function should help.

gotta run!
good luck and book awards early!

MM

Welcome to Flyertalk, yamski!

You should consider attending one of the weekend-long seminar programs, such as the one linked in my signature below. Meet many top experts in various programs and assorted legends in the FF world.

This would be the most efficient use of your time, saving you probably days of trying to piece stuff together by reading posts on Flyertalk. And you'd learn things there that would never get posted here.

Great information guys! Keep them coming.

I think I'm going to apply for 2 of the AA 75,000 mile offers. Would it be wise to apply for the Chase 50,000 points on the same day?

Thanks!

yamski: I applied for the Chase BA Visa, then one week later applied for the Chase Continental CC, which was a day before I applied for both Citi AA Cards. Initially declined for Chase Continental card because too much credit with Chase already. Called reconsideration line and shifted some credit around and was ultimately approved. Both Citi AA's were instantly approved. Deciding on when I should take the plunge for the Citi AA biz card. Anyone have any thoughts?