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Hey there, you’re reading an outdated post! The updated series from April 2015 can be found here.
This is the fifth post in a monthlong series. Each post will take about two minutes to read and may include an action item that takes the reader another two minutes to complete. I am writing this for an audience of people who know nothing about frequent flier miles, and my goal is that by the end, you know enough to fly for free anywhere you want to go.
The Best Current Credit Card Bonuses can be found here.
Continue to Post 6.
Just getting started in the world of points and miles? The Chase Sapphire Preferred is the best card for you to start with.
With a bonus of 60,000 points after $4,000 spend in the first 3 months, 5x points on travel booked through the Chase Travel℠ and 3x points on restaurants, streaming services, and online groceries (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs), this card truly cannot be beat for getting started!
Editorial Disclaimer: The editorial content is not provided or commissioned by the credit card issuers. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the credit card issuers, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuers.
The comments section below is not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all questions are answered.
are the Citi Cards still 50,000 sign up bonuses? It does not say on the application pages of that site and the links to Citi that I see publicly are only 30K
Can you confirm that 50K signup?
Thanks!
Hi, just wondering if the Citi AA 50k offer is still available. I’ve only seen 30k recently. Thanks
Citi publicly pushes 30k. It’s cheaper for them. However as long as the link takes you to an application, that application should be for a 50k card. You may want to take screen shots to put your mind at ease. Of course, no guarantees. YMMV
Should I still hold off on applying for any new cards since my last app was less than 90 days ago and the fact that I am still trying to spend $3k on my current Chase Sapphire Preferred card? It’s tempting.
Also, what the Amex Platinum with a $450 in yearly fees?
Thanks,
Hold off. Circle day 91. And plan your app-o-rama for then. The $450 is steep, but I’ll have a post soon about how to get $400 in free airline gift certificates your first year, plus free Global Entry ($100), plus free access to lounges at most airports. I would say for one year, it is definitely worth it.
when are you going to explain how to get 400 dollars back. I know how to get 200, but I am assuming you are going to say to get it towards the end of the year or something? Interested to hear how you do this.
Thanks
[…] Continue to Post 5. […]
Great start to the blog. I’m sure you are going to touch on this down the road, and I understand other bloggers have as well. Perhaps we can discuss which banks will offer continuous/multiple bonuses for multiple apps, even if the applicant has previously received bonuses and/or how long to wait to ensure receiving bonuses from each bank. There may be other readers out there who already have a few cards, and may have received a bonus at some point. I saw the barclays card, for example, doesn’t appear to have any restrictions.
I am looking forward to your comments, and input on medium to long term strategy.
It would be great if you could devote a post on what to do with all these cards when the annual fee comes due. When is the best time to cancel and how this will affect your credit score.
That post is definitely coming up in the series. Additionally, every time my own annual fees come up, I’ll post what I did with each card.
OK, so I give. Which Barclay’s card is best to apply for? You had me at a free trip to Hawaii!
The US Airways MasterCard, already enough for a r/t to Hawaii for less than $10
Can you help me understand how it will only be $10? It looks like there is an $89 annual fee (not waived the first year) plus an extra $50 to use the award with US Airways. Thanks for your help.
The information in this post is dated. The current annual fee is $89, and the award processing fee for US Airways is $25 – $50 depending on destination.
Hi, can you send me a referral for the 50K membership rewards points for the amex platinum?
Thanks!
https://www304.americanexpress.com/personal-card-application/mercedes-benz-platinum-card/20147-10-0
I assume this is just the best AMEX MR card right now? I ask because it’s a Mercedez-Benz card, and I don’t see any $200 yearly travel vouchers. Do I still want to pay $475 for this?
You still get the $200 in airline fee credits.