+1 on both of these points. The Citi Amex is run under a license from Amex and is not considered anything other than a Citi card. Confusing, yes, but true.

As explained in post #2 in that other thread, the reason you apply for both personal cards on the same day is that Citi's systems will apparently not yet recognize you as a current cardholder. Wait until tomorrow, Citi's systems will recognize you as a current cardholder, and any application for a personal (not business) card will be rejected on those grounds. The received wisdom on reapplying for a personal card after being denied on "first-time customers only" grounds is that you're at least 12-18 months from applying for another personal card. Given that this offer has remained effective well past its expiration date, I wouldn't count on the offer being there that long. So assuming your budget and your credit rating can take the applications and the associated spending requirements, this may effectively be a one-time deal.

I speak with some conviction and experience on this topic. I was a relative newbie when I came upon this offer. I read post #2, did not believe it could really work that way, and applied for only one card. Given the success I've seen others have in applying for two cards in the months since, I count this as one of my biggest blunders since joining FT.

But again, don't do it if your credit rating can't handle the applications or if your budget won't let you meet the spending requirements. I speak with some conviction and experience on that topic as well.

You're welcome - enjoy

And in a few months, apply for one of the Citi AA business cards

I'm really confused at the advice in this thread. The Citi AA cards have a great sign-up bonus. That's not in dispute. But what does that have to do with four years of 5-figure spending on college tuition?

After the initial spend, the AA cards give 1 mile per $.

There are still potential options for greater ongoing earnings:

• Southwest Visa gives about 1.8% toward domestic airfare planned in advance
• Virgin America Visa gives 2.15% toward Monday-Thursday or Satuday travel
• Fidelity Visa pays 1.5% up to $15k and then 2%, or 2% on everything if deposited in an IRA
• Orchard Bank has a 2% rewards card with an annual fee ($39-$59?)

Not knowing anything else about the OP's situation, I would assume redeeming AA miles for 2 cents value is unlikely. And a college student is more likely to need a domestic award redemption to get home than premium international travel.

So why not get both AA cards for the signup, then pick one of the higher return cards listed above for ongoing spend?

EDIT: Looks like only the AMEX version of the Fidelity card is straight 2% back? Regardless, the rest of the observations stand.