Best Credit Card Offers
One of the keys to traveling the world for next to nothing is credit cards. Virtually all airlines and hotel chains have co-branded credit cards that allow you to accrue points in your preferred program. Not only do credit card companies offer huge sign-up bonuses just for being approved for a card, but they also offer bonus points for spending in certain categories.
I earn around a million miles a year through credit cards, about half of which come strictly from the sign-up bonuses earned by being approved for a credit card and completing a minimal amount of spend. The other half I earn through maximizing everyday spend (allowing me to earn anywhere from 2x to 5x points per dollar) and taking advantage of every bonus promotion available to me. Every year I redeem these points for a handful of first class trips around the world, many of which you can read about here.
There are a lot of misconceptions about how credit scores work, as most people believe that applying for a credit card will negatively impact their credit score. Credit scores are made up of the following components:
- 35% of your score is made up of your payment history
- 30% of your score is your credit utilization
- 15% of your score is your credit history
- 10% of your score is made up of the types of credit you use
- 10% of your score is your request for new credit
When you apply for credit cards you get hit with an inquiry, which falls in the category of requests for new credit. You’ll temporarily be dinged 2-3 points on your credit score, though that falls off within two years. Meanwhile virtually all the other components of your credit score can improve as a result of applying for a credit card, meaning your credit score can actually go up as a result of applying for more cards. As long as you keep your credit utilization low and make your payments on time, you shouldn’t see a negative impact on your credit score from applying for cards. My credit score is actually much better now than it was before I started applying for lots of credit cards, and I apply for about a dozen a year.
With that in mind, I figured I’d share what I consider to be some of the “must have” cards available now:
Chase Ink Plus® Business Card and Chase Ink Bold® Business Card
Current offer: 50,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $5,000 within three months
Annual fee: $95, waived the first year
Foreign transaction fees: none
Card bonuses: 5x points on the first $50,000 spent annually at office supply stores, and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services; 2x points on the first $50,000 spent annually at gas stations and on hotels
Why it’s a great offer: Ultimate Rewards points are one of the most valuable points currencies given that they can be transferred at a 1:1 ratio to United, British Airways, Korean Air, Hyatt, and many other programs. The 5x points categories really set this card apart, given how many fixed monthly expenses many of us have for phones, cable, internet, etc. You can even be approved for both the Chase Ink Bold and Chase Ink Plus to earn even more bonus points!
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Visa Card
Current offer: 40,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $3,000 within three months 
Annual fee: $95, waived the first year
Foreign transaction fees: none
Card bonuses: 2x points on travel and dining; 7% annual points dividend on all new points earned through purchases
Why it’s a great offer: Ultimate Rewards points are one of the most valuable points currencies given that they can be transferred at a 1:1 ratio to United, British Airways, Korean Air, Hyatt, and many other programs. Given the double points on dining and travel, 7% annual points dividend, and no foreign transaction fees, this is the single most valuable credit card, in my opinion.
Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express and
Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Card from American Express
Current offer: 10,000 Starpoints after the first purchase, 15,000 additional Starpoints after spending $5,000 within six months
Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $65
Foreign transaction fees: 2.7%
Card bonuses: two stay credits and five night credits towards elite status with Starwood annually per card (you can get both cards for four stay credits and 10 night credits towards elite status annually); Starwood Gold status after spending $30,000 on the card annually
Why it’s a great offer: Starpoints remain the most valuable points currencies out there, and a great value for both hotel redemptions and airline mileage transfers. The five stay credits and 10 night credits towards status with Starwood annually for having both cards are also invaluable to me.
Citi® Hilton HHonors™ Reserve Card
Current offer: Two free weekend nights at most Hilton family properties after spending $2,500 within four months
Annual fee: $95
Foreign transaction fees: none
Card bonuses: 10x points per dollar spent at Hilton properties; 5x points per dollar spent on airline and car rental purchases; 3x points per dollar spent on everything else; Hilton Gold status for as long as you have the card, which gets you free internet and breakfast/lounge access; free weekend night certificate after spending $10,000 in a calendar year; Hilton Diamond status after spending $40,000 on the card in a calendar year
Why it’s a great offer: The free night certificates can be used for virtually any Hilton property, including those that retail for 95,000 Hilton HHonors points per night, making this sign-up bonus potentially worth 190,000 HHonors points. Free Gold status just for having the card is an amazing perk as well, given that it gets you free internet and breakfast/lounge access, which I consider to be the two most valuable perks of hotel status.
American Express® Premier Rewards Gold Card
Current offer: 25,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $2,000 within three months
Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $175
Foreign transaction fees: 2.7%
Card bonuses: 3x points on airfare, 2x points on gas and groceries; 15,000 bonus points for any year in which you spend $30,000 on the card
Why it’s a great offer: Membership Rewards has many transfer partners, including Aeroplan, British Airways, Delta, and Singapore. I’d argue it may just be the most aspirational points currency now, given that you can redeem Singapore KrisFlyer miles for travel in Singapore Suites.
Citi AAdvantage Visa Card, Citi AAdvantage Business Visa Card
Current offer: 50,000 AAdvantage miles after spending $3,000 within four months
Annual fee: $95, waived the first year
Foreign transaction fees: 3%
Card bonuses: 2x points on American Airlines purchases; for personal cards 10% rebate for American award redemptions, up to 10,000 miles per year; free first checked bag and priority boarding
Why it’s a great offer: American miles are extremely valuable for OneWorld travel, and offer some of the best premium cabin redemptions out there, like first class between the US and Asia on Cathay Pacific for 67,500 miles one-way.
US Airways Premier World MasterCard®
Current offer: 30,000 Dividend Miles after the first purchase, one bonus mile per dollar worth of balance transfer within 90 days
, up to 10,000 bonus miles
Annual fee: $85
Foreign transaction fees: 3%
Card bonuses: 2x miles per dollar spent on US Airways; 5,000 mile discount on award redemptions for travel on US Airways; priority check-in and boarding; two $99 companion certificates and one US Airways Club pass annually
Why it’s a great offer: Once the merger between American and US Airways takes place it’s a near guarantee that Citi will be issuing American’s new co-branded credit card, so this card won’t be around much longer. It’s an easy 30,000 Dividend Miles given that you get the miles after the first purchase, and possibly your last chance to do so before the merger.
Chase Hyatt Visa Card
Current offer: Two free nights at any Hyatt property after spending $1,000 within three months; for Platinum members two free nights and two suite upgrades; for Diamond members two free nights in a suite
Annual fee: $75
Foreign transaction fees: none
Card bonuses: Annual free night certificate valid at category 1-4 Hyatt properties; Hyatt Platinum membership for as long as you have the card, which offers free internet and other benefits; 3x points on Hyatt spend, 2x points on dining, airline, and car rental purchases; two stay credits and five night credits towards status after spending $20,000 on the card annually; another three stay credits and five night credits after spending $40,000 on the card annually
Why it’s a great offer: Hyatt’s top properties go for 22,000 points per night, or 33,000 points per night in a suite. So this sign-up bonus is potentially worth the equivalent of 44,000 Gold Passport points for base members, or 66,000 Gold Passport points for Diamond members. This card is also worth keeping long term for the annual free night certificate, which more than justifies the $75 annual fee.
Mercedes Benz Platinum Card from American Express
Current offer: 50,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $1,000 within three months
Annual fee: $475
Foreign transaction fees: none
Card bonuses: Lounge access with American, Delta, US Airways, and Priority Pass; access to American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts; a $200 annual airline fee credit
Why it’s a great offer: While the annual fee is high, the card comes with lots of benefits that help negate the annual fee.
Barclaycard Arrival World MasterCard
Current offer: 40,000 miles after spending $1,000 within 90 days
Annual fee: $89, waived the first year
Foreign transaction fees: none
Card bonuses: Two miles per dollar spent, plus a 10% refund when you redeem miles. Each mile is worth one cent, meaning you’re basically earning 2.2% cash back towards the cost of travel
Why it’s a great offer: This is one of the most rewarding cash back travel rewards credit cards out there, offering basically 2.2% cash back across the board.
While the above cards are some of my favorites due to a combination of the sign-up bonuses and perks for holding onto them, there are plenty of other great cards I highly recommend, which I’ve broken down below based on whether they’re airline, hotel, bank rewards, or cashback cards.
The best airline cards include the following:
British Airways Visa Signature® Card
Current offer: 50,000 Avios after spending $1,000 within three months
Annual fee: $95
Foreign transaction fees: none
Card bonuses: 2.5x Avios for every dollar spent on British Airways; 1.25x Avios per dollar spent on everything else; Companion certificate valid for second passenger on British Airways award reservation after spending $30,000 on the card annually
Why it’s a good offer: British Airways has a distance based award chart which is extremely lucrative for shorthaul travel, as awards start at just 4,500 Avios one-way. Given that short flights are often disproportionately expensive when paying cash, I’ve found Avios to be invaluable.
Virgin America Visa® Signature Card
Current offer: 10,000 Elevate points after the first purchase, 5,000 bonus Elevate points after making a balance transfer within 300 days
Annual fee: $49
Foreign transaction fees: 3%
Card bonuses: 3x points on Virgin America purchases; $150 off a companion ticket annually
Why it’s a good offer: While American Express Membership Rewards points only convert to Virgin America Elevate at a 2:1 ratio, the Virgin America credit card accrues one point per dollar. These points are some of the most valuable for redemptions on Virgin Atlantic in Upper Class and Singapore Airlines in coach, as discussed in this post.
United MileagePlus Explorer Card
Current offer: 30,000 MileagePlus miles after spending $1,000 within three months; 5,000 bonus MileagePlus miles after an authorized user is added and makes a purchase within three months
Annual fee: $95, waived the first year
Foreign transaction fees: 3%
Card bonuses: 2x miles on United purchases; 10,000 bonus MileagePlus miles after spending $25,000 on the card annually; two free annual United Club passes; free first checked bag and priority boarding
Why it’s a good offer: United miles are extremely valuable, and the annual 10,000 mile bonus for spending $25,000 on the card makes this an attractive card for everyday spend.
Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express
Current offer: 30,000 Delta SkyMiles after spending $500 within three months
Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
Foreign transaction fees: 2.7%
Card bonuses: 2x miles on Delta purchases; free first checked bag
Why it’s a good offer: This card has a low spend requirement for the sign-up bonus, making it an easy 30,000 SkyMiles.
Delta Reserve Card
Current offer: 10,000 MQMs after first purchase, 15,000 bonus redeemable miles and MQMs after spending $30,000 per year, and an additional 15,000 bonus redeemable miles and MQMs after spending $60,000 per year
Annual fee: $450
Foreign transaction fees: 2.7%
Card bonuses: 2x miles on Delta purchases; free first checked bag and priority boarding; SkyClub membership
Why it’s a good offer: If all you’re after is the lounge access I’d recommend the American Express Platinum card over this, though this card is extremely valuable if you’re looking to earn MQMs. You can potentially earn 40,000 MQMs in the first year of having this card, which gets you Silver Medallion status, and puts you just 10,000 MQMs from Gold Medallion status.
Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express
Current offer: 10,000 Delta SkyMiles after the first purchase, 10,000 bonus MQMs after spending $25,000 per year, and an additional 10,000 bonus MQMs after spending $50,000 per year
Annual fee: $150
Foreign transaction fees: 2.7%
Card bonuses: 2x miles on Delta purchases; free first checked bag
Why it’s a good offer: Between this and the Delta Reserve Card you can earn 60,000 MQMs per year just from credit card spend. For the big credit card spender that’s a great way to earn airline status.
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card
Current offer: 25,000 Mileage Plan miles upon account activiation
Annual fee: $75
Foreign transaction fees: 3%
Card bonuses: 3x miles on Alaska purchases; annual $110 coach companion certificate
Why it’s a good offer: This card is churnable, meaning you can earn the sign-up bonus on it multiple times.
The best hotel cards include the following:
Marriott Rewards® Premier Credit Card
Current offer: 50,000 Marriott Rewards points after spending $1,000 within three months; one free night at any category 1-4 property upon account approval
Annual fee: $85, waived the first year
Foreign transaction fees: none
Card bonuses: 5x points per dollar spent at Marriott, 2x points per dollar spent on airlines, car rentals, and dining; annual free night at any category 1-5 property; 15 night credits towards status annually upon account anniversary; additional one night credit towards status for every $3,000 spent
Why it’s a good offer: While the annual fee is high the card comes with lots of benefits that help negate the annual fee. The Mercedes Benz Platinum American Express card has a better sign-up bonus, though it’s worth noting you can earn the sign up bonus on both cards.
Fairmont Visa Signature Credit Card
Current offer: Two free nights at any Fairmont property including breakfast after spending $1,000 within three months
Annual fee: $95
Foreign transaction fees: none
Card bonuses: 5x points per dollar spent at Fairmont, 2x points per dollar spent on airlines, car rentals, and on transit; annual free night after spending $12,000 on the card annually; Fairmont Premier status for as long as you have the card
Why it’s a good offer: This card offers a great sign-up bonus, as there are some really phenomenal Fairmont properties around the world.
Priority Club Select Visa
Current offer: 60,000 Priority Club points after spending $1,000 within three months
Annual fee: $49, waived the first year
Foreign transaction fees: none
Card bonuses: 5x points per dollar spent at Priority Club properties; 2x points per dollar spent on gas, groceries, and at restaurants; Priority Club Platinum status for as long as you have the card; annual free night certificate valid at all Priority Club properties
Why it’s a good offer: The annual free night certificate valid at any Priority Club property and Platinum elite status for as long as you have the card make this a winner, especially given how low the annual fee is.
Club Carlson Premier Rewards Visa Signature Card
Current offer: 50,000 points after the first purchase, 35,000 additional points after spending $2,500 within 90 days
Annual fee: $75
Foreign transaction fees: 3%
Card bonuses: 10x points per dollar spent at Club Carlson properties, 5x points per dollar spent on everything else; 40,000 bonus points upon account anniversary; free night when you redeem for two or more award nights; Club Carlson Gold status for as long as you have the card and 15 nights towards Concierge status if you already have Gold status
Why it’s a good offer: If you frequent Club Carlson properties this could very well be the most useful credit card you’ll have. You can save hundreds of thousands of points per year through their free award night benefit.
Hilton HHonors Surpass Card from American Express
Current offer: 40,000 Hilton HHonors points after the first purchase, 20,000 additional HHonors points after spending $3,000 within three months
Annual fee: $75
Foreign transaction fees: 2.7%
Card bonuses: 12x points per dollar spent at Hilton properties; 6x points per dollar spent on gas and groceries; 3x points per dollar spent on everything else; Hilton Silver status for as long as you have the card; Hilton Gold status for the first year of card membership, and for any subsequent year in which you spend $20,000 on the card in a calendar year; Hilton Diamond status after spending $40,000 on the card in a calendar year
Why it’s a good offer: This card is the most rewarding for spend at Hilton properties, and has a pretty good sign-up bonus as well. If you’re looking for just one Hilton credit card I recommend the Citi® Hilton HHonors™ Reserve Card, as it offers Hilton Gold status for as long as you have the card, while this one only offers it for the first year.
Hilton HHonors Credit Card from American Express
Current offer: 50,000 Hilton HHonors points after spending $750 within three months
Annual fee: none
Foreign transaction fees: 2.7%
Card bonuses: 6x points per dollar spent at Hilton properties; 3x points per dollar spent on everything else; Hilton Silver status for as long as you have the card
Why it’s a good offer: This card gets you access to Hilton’s AXON awards, whereby you can redeem 145,000 points for four nights at any category seven Hilton property. This card is worth keeping just for that, given that it doesn’t have an annual fee.
The best bank rewards and cash back cards include the following:
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Current offer: 25,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $2,000 within three months
Annual fee: $450
Foreign transaction fees: none
Card bonuses: Lounge access with American, Delta, US Airways, and Priority Pass; access to American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts; a $200 annual airline fee credit
Why it’s a good offer: While the annual fee is high the card comes with lots of benefits that help negate the annual fee. The Mercedes Benz Platinum American Express card has a better sign-up bonus, though it’s worth noting you can earn the sign up bonus on both cards.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN
Current offer: 25,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $5,000 within three months
Annual fee: $450
Foreign transaction fees: none
Card bonuses: Lounge access with American, Delta, US Airways, and Priority Pass; access to American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts; a $200 annual airline fee credit
Why it’s a good offer: While the annual fee is high the card comes with lots of benefits that help negate the annual fee.
Chase Freedom® Visa Card
Current offer: 10,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $500 within three months
Annual fee: none
Foreign transaction fees: 3%
Card bonuses: 5x bonus points in rotating quarterly categories for up to $1,500 in spend (the 2013 categories can be found here)
Why it’s a good offer: This is a great way to rack up 7,500 Ultimate Rewards points per quarter on a no annual fee credit card. This card complements the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Visa Card, Chase Ink Plus® Business Card, and Chase Ink Bold® Business Card very well, given that the points from all cards can be pooled.
Ink Cash® Business Card
Current offer: 20,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $1,000 within three months
Annual fee: none
Foreign transaction fees: 3%
Card bonuses: 5x points on the first $25,000 spent annually at office supply stores, and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services; 2x points on the first $25,000 spent annually at gas stations and restaurants
Why it’s a good offer: This is a good no annual fee alternative to the Chase Ink Bold and Chase Ink Plus cards, given that this one has no annual fee yet still accrues 5x points in several categories. It’s also worth noting that even if you have the Chase Ink Bold and/or Chase Ink Plus cards you’re still eligible for the sign-up bonus on this card.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Current offer: 100 Rewards Dollars after spending $1,000 within three months
Annual fee: $0
Foreign transaction fees: 2.7%
Card bonuses: 3% cash back at U.S. stand-alone supermarkets (on first $6,000 of spend per calendar year, and 1% thereafter); 2% cash back on gasoline at U.S. stand-alone gas stations and at select major department stores; and 1% cash back on other purchases
Why it’s a good offer: This is a great no annual fee cash back card option.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Current offer: 150 Rewards Dollars after spending $1,000 within three months
Annual fee: $75
Foreign transaction fees: 2.7%
Card bonuses: 6% cash back at U.S. stand-alone supermarkets (on first $6,000 of spend per calendar year, and 1% thereafter); 3% cash back on gasoline at U.S. stand-alone gas stations and at select major department stores; 1% cash back on other purchases
Why it’s a good offer: This is an amazing cash back rate if you spend a lot of money at supermarkets, department stores, and on gasoline.
TrueEarnings® Card from Costco and American Express
Annual fee: No Annual Fee with your paid Costco Membership
Foreign transaction fees: 2.7%
Card bonuses: 3% cash back on gasoline at U.S. stand-alone gas stations, including at Costco, for purchases up to $4,000 per year (1% thereafter); 2% cash back at U.S. restaurants and eligible travel purchases; 1% cash back on all other purchases
Why it’s a good offer: This is a great cash back card for Costco members that spend a good amount at gas stations, restaurants, and on travel.
Free Credit Report and Score
Tracking your Miles and Points
AwardWallet.com is the website I use for keeping track of all my miles and points balances, as discussed in this post.
In the interest of full disclosure I earn a referral bonus for anyone that’s approved through some of the above links. They’re all for the best publicly available offers for each card. Thanks for your support!
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October 29th, 2011 at 2:13 am
alohastephen said,
You missed the Marriott 70K card.
https://www.mychasecreditcards.com/4000041
October 29th, 2011 at 3:54 am
Angeleno228 said,
“American Express Premier Rewards Gold Card
Current offer: 15,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $1,000 ……. ”
Didn’t you mean Membership Rewards points?
You don’t have to post this, thought I would point it out.
October 29th, 2011 at 9:06 am
steve64 said,
Hey Lucky,
Good job as always. The current Chase Sapphire offer is $3000 spend in THREE months, not 6.
October 30th, 2011 at 9:40 pm
Jacket said,
Amex 50k MR for biz card is a 5 month spend period, FYI.
October 31st, 2011 at 10:52 am
lucky said,
Thanks for the feedback/corrections, folks! The list is now updated.
November 1st, 2011 at 2:53 pm
J said,
The platinum card offer doesn’t appear to be working. Has it officially expired?
November 1st, 2011 at 2:55 pm
lucky said,
@ J — You might want to clear your cookies, as I just tried it and it works fine.
November 1st, 2011 at 3:14 pm
J said,
Thanks. Didn’t work in Firefox, but fine in IE.
November 10th, 2011 at 7:52 pm
Antonio said,
What about the Hyatt Card and the Priority Club cards which you consider good for getting and simply holding on to? (i.e. the value of the benefits are greater than the value of the annual fee)
November 30th, 2011 at 2:24 am
Tat said,
Does anyone know about or used the citicard that gives 1 point for every mile flown, dollar spent on any flight ticket including purchases for other persons? If so, is it a good deal and is there anything else outhere like that?
December 2nd, 2011 at 8:56 am
beachfan said,
Isn’t the Starwood card 30k points now (for a limited time)?
February 4th, 2012 at 11:14 pm
Maher said,
Darius, is the Amex personal platinum 50k a targeted or open offer?
February 4th, 2012 at 11:17 pm
Maher said,
sorry i printed Darius by mistake, i meant @ Guest?
February 5th, 2012 at 3:01 am
lucky said,
@ Maher — If you email me at onemileatatime@hotmail.com I can send you a referral for the 50,000 point sign-up bonus.
April 14th, 2012 at 12:44 pm
Kris Ziel said,
If you are a United elite, you can get a 50k bonus for the Explorer Card. Once logged in on the United site, the ads on there were saying 60K instead of 40K, not sure how to get it now that there aren’t those ads.
April 17th, 2012 at 10:12 am
stacey said,
Hi Lucky,
Do you have referral links for the Hyatt and Priority Club cards? Do you recommend either of these?
Thanks!
Stacey
April 26th, 2012 at 10:46 am
jim said,
seems like one day thing but just to let you know
http://www262.americanexpress.com/landing-page/business-cards/sclp/bgold/pm0009/42983
June 29th, 2012 at 9:08 am
Jason said,
The Chase/UA card 60k (50k 1st purchase, 10k after $25k spend) deal for elites was still good as of a week ago at http://unitedexplorercard.com/bonus60k.
There might also be the same deal with another 5k for adding authorized user.
July 24th, 2012 at 10:05 pm
Phil said,
The annual fee is $95, not $85, for the new CITI HH Reserve card.
August 29th, 2012 at 10:58 am
Justin said,
Do you have any suggestions for the best Canadian credit cards out there?
September 11th, 2012 at 12:23 pm
Big D said,
Lucky , I’m getting ready to apply for U.S. airways cards. Both Personal and Business. Do you think it matters if I do both at the same time are should I wait between aps.?
September 11th, 2012 at 12:39 pm
lucky said,
@ Big D — Applying at the same time shouldn’t be any issue since one is a personal and one a business. I’d knock ‘em both out at once in your shoes.
October 12th, 2012 at 11:27 am
Grandf said,
Lucky,
Is your link for the US Airways Barclays card still valid for 40k w/ first purchase?
The application says that the offer is only for Chairman’s Preferred Members only. I recently got the 40k offer successfully a couple of months ago, but now the publicly advertised rate is for only 30k miles with first purchase.
Thanks!
November 2nd, 2012 at 2:20 pm
Eric said,
Do you have a working link for the 25K signup bonus for Premier Rewards Gold AmEx? Link above generates an error page for me.
November 2nd, 2012 at 3:47 pm
lucky said,
@ Eric — Are you logged into your American Express account? If so, I suggest logging out and you shouldn’t have an issue. Sorry about that! Let me know if you still have any issues.
November 10th, 2012 at 5:35 pm
jeff said,
I do not see this part anymore when I click on the spg amex link:
5,000 SPG points after spending $5,000 within six months
is it over?
November 19th, 2012 at 1:58 am
KMA said,
Lucky,
How do the 50/100k AA bonuses compare in your mind? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/milesbuzz/1262549-citi-aa-50k-plus-other-offers-they-appear.html
Seems like a steal if you go for both the Maex and Visa at once (presuming AA miles are even remotely as usable as UA miles – with which I am more familiar.)
Thanks!
February 4th, 2013 at 2:24 pm
KenU said,
Hey Lucky,
Does the 50,000 mile Delta Amex referral deal still exist? If so, I would like to get that from you!
Also, here is a link to the current Alaska Airlines deal. I earned another 10,000 miles by signing up while on an Alaska Airlines flight. Unfortunately, they don’t fly out of my small regional airport so I always end up spending another $25 on a ‘Partner Airline Fee’ to use it on Delta, but that is just my personal circumstances.
http://www.alaskaair.com/content/deals/mileage-plan/visa-signature-promo.aspx
Earn 25,000 Bonus Miles Upon Approval†
Receive an annual Companion Fare of $110 ¥ (USD)
($99 base fare plus taxes and fees from $11 depending on your Alaska Airlines flight itinerary).
Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on Alaska Airlines tickets and vacation packages.†
Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases
February 4th, 2013 at 2:50 pm
lucky said,
@ KenU — I don’t believe that offer is active anymore.
February 10th, 2013 at 10:43 pm
Prabir said,
My first year renewal fees for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card are due in a couple of months. I called twice to ask if they would be able to provide anything to offset the $95 renewal fee and each time they told me that I got a great signup bonus (40k points) and that I had enough points in my account to pay for the renewal fee. They also offered to downgrade the card. Any suggestions?
February 10th, 2013 at 11:38 pm
Kyle McKenna said,
US Airways offer only valid for Chairman’s Club members.
February 10th, 2013 at 11:43 pm
lucky said,
@ Prabir — I guess it depends how much you value the benefits of the card. I think it’s well worth the annual fee given the double points on dining and travel, though if you’re not getting enough value out of it I’d downgrade in your shoes.
@ Kyle McKenna — While it says that, in practice I haven’t heard of anyone having trouble applying for and being approved for it.
February 18th, 2013 at 11:06 pm
David said,
Lucky, the link to the free credit report and score takes me to a page that says “The advertisement that led you to us was not compliant and potentially
misleading. It is not approved by our company.
If you have questions, please email us anytime at info@gofreecredit.com.
We apologize for any inconvenience.”
February 19th, 2013 at 12:47 am
lucky said,
@ David — Is this for gofreecredit.com? Works for me, so trying to figure out what the problem might be.
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:26 am
Siso said,
Just recieved theoffer in the mail for 100k Am. exp. platnum? I fly out of dfw so one world products is what I accumulate . I have citi. What airline can I transfer the amex points to that will give me the most bang for my buck?! We like to travel to asia and europe and middle east.
Also in fine print it says that guests pay 27$ to enter the lounge with you. Does that mean spouse and kids too?
February 22nd, 2013 at 1:38 pm
lucky said,
@ Siso — If you’re entering on Priority Pass you do have to pay for any guests. If you’re entering with the AmEx Platinum card (to American, Delta, or US Airways lounges), you’re allowed two guests.
March 20th, 2013 at 8:08 pm
coalharbour said,
Hey Lucky, do you have a referral link for the Canadian American Express AeroplanPlus Platinum card? TPG has a link on his site, but I would rather you get the business! Thanks!
March 20th, 2013 at 11:25 pm
lucky said,
@ coalharbour — Thanks so much for thinking of me! Unfortunately I don’t have any Canadian affiliate links… yet. Appreciate the thought, though!
March 23rd, 2013 at 3:08 am
Sean M. said,
When I click on the link for GoFreeCredit.com, I am forwarded to a page that says :
“The advertisement that led you to us was not compliant and potentially misleading. It is not approved by our company.”
You might want to take a look at what is causing that.
March 24th, 2013 at 11:34 pm
ATC said,
I have a question regarding the US Airways Premier World MasterCard. AS far as the balance transfer, does one get 10k miles after a transfer of ANY amount or does one get 1-mile per dollar transferred up to 10k?
thanks
March 24th, 2013 at 11:39 pm
lucky said,
@ ATC — Sorry about that, updated the description to be more accurate. It’s one mile per dollar, up to 10,000 bonus miles.
April 3rd, 2013 at 8:35 pm
jorge said,
Ben, I am torn between these two cards:Hyatt Gold and Citi Honors Reserve.
I scared to apply for both, even though I have 2 inquiries in the last 2 years, but dont want to ding my Credit report (775)
I have along history with both Citi and Chase and they are both so tempting ( of course I will use your link
)
Which one is the better one?
April 4th, 2013 at 5:45 am
lucky said,
@ jorge — To be honest they’re both great cards and you can’t go wrong with either.
I’d say the Citi Reserve has more benefits if you’re actually looking for hotel status as well. You get two free nights AND Hilton Gold, which gets you free internet, breakfast, and lounge access.
I value the Hyatt free nights you get from signing up somewhat more, but you only get Platinum status, which basically only gets you free internet.
So I guess it depends what you’re looking for. The cards are issued by different banks, and if you’ve only had two inquiries in the past two years, I’d say get both of ‘em! Your score should take at most a two point hit per application, and long term it may actually go up from having more credit that you’re not fully utilizing.
Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions!
April 4th, 2013 at 7:51 am
jorge said,
Thanks, I will try them both !
April 8th, 2013 at 5:37 pm
Kevin said,
I want to earn United miles but don’t necessarily need the travel benefits because I have Star Alliance Gold from US Airways. Am I better off with Chase Saphire Preferred and transfer miles to United, or with one of the United Explorer cards?
April 8th, 2013 at 5:42 pm
lucky said,
@ Kevin — In almost all cases I’d say the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a better option — you get double points on dining and travel plus a 7% annual points dividend, so in almost all cases you’ll get a higher return than the Explorer card.
May 9th, 2013 at 6:30 pm
Christopher said,
Ben, can I apply American Express Premier Rewards Gold Card and American Express Business Rewards Gold Card at the same time and get sign-up bonus on both card? Thanks.
May 10th, 2013 at 1:43 am
Pete said,
@Lucky – Bummed that the link for the 75k Business Gold AE card is dead – I was right about to apply for one for my wife too.
If she still wanted to go with AE, would she be better to get the Personal Preferred Rewards Gold Card – since it has some different perks from the business card, 2 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes for example.
Or would you recommend the Chase Ink? For regular spend it looks better and still has a 50k sign up bonus.
Finally – for married couples applying individually for cards (makes more sense since you can both qualify for a bonus I presume), does it have any knock on affect on your spouse’s credit? Or are you treated just like any other 2 individuals?
And I just applied for the BA visa signature card through Chase (50k bonus). Could I apply for the Chase Ink too or do I have to wait 3 months or something to apply for another chase card?
Thanks as ever for all the tips and tricks – we all appreciate it!
May 10th, 2013 at 10:11 am
lucky said,
@ Pete — In your shoes I’d go for the Chase Ink. The sign-up bonus is great and the return in some categories is amazing at 5x points per dollar.
If you apply for a card it has no impact on your spouse’s credit, so you could both apply for the same cards to earn the sign-up bonus and then consolidate your points.
The Chase Ink is a business card while the BA Visa is a personal card, so you should have no problem getting approved for it right away.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
May 10th, 2013 at 10:12 am
lucky said,
@ Christopher — You sure can. One is a business card while the other is a personal card, so you’re eligible for the sign-up bonuses on both cards at the same time.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
May 10th, 2013 at 10:54 am
Pete said,
Thanks Ben!
And do you think there’s much chance of getting approved for the other card (either Bold or Plus) and also the Sapphire while I’m at it? I already have the Freedom card with Chase, have had it for a year or so. And the BA application with Chase is still pending. There must be a limit with one bank no?
May 10th, 2013 at 11:00 am
lucky said,
@ Pete — There’s definitely a limit, though I don’t think you’ve reached it. You’re looking at potentially having one business card and three personal cards with them.
In your shoes I’d call them regarding the BA application at the reconsideration line, and they should be able to instantly approve it over the phone. That phone number is (888) 245-0625.
Once that’s complete I’d apply for the Sapphire Preferred and Ink Bold or Ink Plus.
May 10th, 2013 at 12:52 pm
Pete said,
@Lucky Thanks Ben! BA card taken care of, will keep you posted on the rest
Also, been reading about the bluebird card that got you the 5x bonus from Office Depot and could be used elsewhere – is that something that’s come and gone?
May 10th, 2013 at 3:57 pm
lucky said,
@ Pete — Awesome, let me know how the rest of it goes.
Unfortunately Bluebird is “dead” at Office Depots, though you can still buy them at many CVS locations. Not quite as rewarding, but can still make sense.
May 11th, 2013 at 3:01 pm
SK said,
@ lucky – Are your Citi AA cards still offering 50K points?
May 16th, 2013 at 7:11 am
Pete said,
For everyone who might find this helpful, I applied for the Chase/BA cobranded card a week or so ago and got accepted. (I already have the freedom card too). I applied today for the chase sapphire AND the chase UA card. It showed as processing so I called (888) 245-0625 and I’d been turned down for both. They said that 3 applications in a month is more love than they can handle.
British Airways is currently still doing their background check for that card, though chase have approved it in terms of credit. But she said I would need to wait at least 30 days to apply for another card and even then probably just 1, not 2!
Wish my credit a speedy recovery and hopefully my wife gets approved on the Sapphire she just applied for. Spending’s so much less fun with no bonus goals to aim for!
May 16th, 2013 at 7:16 am
Pete said,
@Lucky – advice – the other card I was eyeing up (but planning to wait a while on) was the Hilton reserve with Citi. Since Citi and Chase are completely separate, would it be feasable to apply for the Hilton card today? Or, following my previous post, is it time to accept defeat for a couple of months and relax?
I’ve got a group of students I work with all booking transatlantic flights this time of year so it’s a great opportunity to hit some higher spend targets that I otherwise wouldn’t be able to get. Which is why I’m trying to collect all the cards I can…
May 16th, 2013 at 9:45 am
lucky said,
@ Pete — Generally three personal cards in a month is a bit much. If you had done the Chase Ink Bold or Chase Ink Plus you would have probably been fine, though, since it’s a business card.
Since Citi is a totally different issuer, yes, I’d suggest applying for that today, as the other two inquiries probably haven’t hit your report yet.
May 16th, 2013 at 11:20 am
Pete said,
@Lucky – Citi HHonours – Approved. But Chase need more substantial history with major cards (more than the 2 years I have) to approve any business applications so that’s it for now it sounds like
May 16th, 2013 at 1:10 pm
lucky said,
@ Pete — Congrats on the approval on the Citi card!
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