The sign up bonus that currently comes with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card when you apply online, 100,000 Ultimate Rewards after spending $4,000 on the card within three months of opening it, will drop to 50,000 Ultimate Rewards for the same spending requirement this coming Thursday, January 12.

Get two cards now and meet their minimum spending requirements. Then in a few months when the points post, book your Business Class award to Europe for Summer 2017.

The miles and points community, for valid reason, freaked out over the release of the Sapphire Reserve and it's 100k Ultimate Rewards sign up bonus back in August.

If you’re just getting started you need to get the most powerful combo of credit cards to earn miles. I’ve discussed the general strategy to maximize miles from credit cards over your lifetime recently, but let me be very specific for beginners.

Start with the Freedom Unlimited and Sapphire Reserve. While you’re at it, get the Ink Business Preferred if you have more spending capacity and a business. I recommend these 2-3 cards because:

They earn Ultimate Rewards, which transfer to seven types of airline miles, which can book over 60 airlines’ award space.
They complement each other.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers 50,000 bonus Ultimate Rewards after spending $4,000 on the card in the first three months.
Plus it offers up to $700 in statement credits in the first year of cardmembership.
There's a $300 per calendar year to offset your first $300 in "travel" purchases.

The brand new Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers 100,000 bonus Ultimate Rewards after spending $4,000 on the card in the first three months.

Plus it offers up to $700 in statement credits in the first year of cardmembership.

The card offers valuable, transferable Ultimate Rewards; 3x points on travel and dining; and airport lounge access for you and unlimited guests at over 900 lounges worldwide.

You can read my full analysis of the card here. But let's say you already have the card.