The Frequent Traveller Thread - Perks, points, and deals for beginners and experts
12-19-2014, 11:44 AM
I wouldn't think of an overall spending limit on card fees, so long as they pay for themselves in some way. If they don't then they probably don't belong in your wallet past the first year and sign-up bonus.
I think two other cards worth considering right now are the BAEC 50,000 miles card, with a min. spend of 2000 over 3 months, and the Southwest card with the companion pass. Again, though this totally depends on your objectives. Both of these would be good for you getting around the USA, but not particularly useful for going longhaul to Europe or Asia or Australia.
The BA card provided points that are max value for short trips. Little flights to LA or SF or to go skiing would be very cheap mileage wise, perhaps around 4500 miles each way. So that card gives you 11 such legs. Pretty solid.
The SW card has the companion fare depending on your spending and a 50K signup bonus, which is two roundtrips in the continental USA. Its not for me as most of my domestic travel is work related and paid for, and I'm trying to fly premium as much as possible since (i) I fly so much and (ii) I fucking hate flying (I know, nice place in the world I've carved out for myself).
I'll be in Vegas on the 3rd of January for five days or so, we should be able to carve something out. Staying at the Element in Summerlin this time (Starwood hotel, first time there, I usually stay at the Westin on Flamingo but its the Consumer Electronics Show).
I think two other cards worth considering right now are the BAEC 50,000 miles card, with a min. spend of 2000 over 3 months, and the Southwest card with the companion pass. Again, though this totally depends on your objectives. Both of these would be good for you getting around the USA, but not particularly useful for going longhaul to Europe or Asia or Australia.
The BA card provided points that are max value for short trips. Little flights to LA or SF or to go skiing would be very cheap mileage wise, perhaps around 4500 miles each way. So that card gives you 11 such legs. Pretty solid.
The SW card has the companion fare depending on your spending and a 50K signup bonus, which is two roundtrips in the continental USA. Its not for me as most of my domestic travel is work related and paid for, and I'm trying to fly premium as much as possible since (i) I fly so much and (ii) I fucking hate flying (I know, nice place in the world I've carved out for myself).
I'll be in Vegas on the 3rd of January for five days or so, we should be able to carve something out. Staying at the Element in Summerlin this time (Starwood hotel, first time there, I usually stay at the Westin on Flamingo but its the Consumer Electronics Show).
Quote: (12-19-2014 01:30 AM)Veloce Wrote:
Quote: (12-18-2014 10:37 PM)Global Entry Wrote:
Yes too late I imagine.
I guess it would depend on need. Also with sterling credit like a 790, probably it makes no difference. But when you're flirting with 750, it might, so I might bang out another application for something that has value to you, assuming you can meet the minimum spend (not sure which AA card you got). Independent of travel aims, considering what very little I know about you (I know you like to cook), I'd definitely consider the Freedom card, assuming you spend a lot of money on groceries (first quarter bonus is on groceries - 5 points a dollar and you can transfer them with your Sapphire card). No annual fee, so when the rotating bonus categories don't work for you, you just leave it in your wallet. When they do, its a good opportunity to rack of points on things you're already buying.
I don't spend THAT much on groceries, maybe $400 per month at the most.
Like I said I'll be able to hit the $3000 deadline for the American Airlines card easily because I'm going to pay a moving company at least that much for the move to Vegas, and I'm getting reimbursed every penny. So that leaves another $3-4k deadline that I could easily hit within 3 months, especially since I'll be moving to Vegas (I haven't yet) and will likely have a few other expenses that I can put on a credit card.
So I've got The American Airlines card applied for, the United Airways already approved, so what 3rd card would you recommend with a $3-4k deadline? Even $5k is easily doable since I now know that you can pay rent with a credit card. Wish I would have known that all along...I'd have an extra 30,000 rewards points. I was thinking the Ink Plus but I'd have to consider dropping a credit card eventually, since that would put me at 3 cards (Sapphire Plus, Citi Aadvantage Platinum Select, and Ink Plus) with a $95 annual fee which seems excessive.
Global I hope we can link up next time you're in town so I can pick your brain in person, I have a feeling that will be much easier than re-reading every post you've made here (some of which I still don't understand). I'll cook for you or something in return
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