My selection of the best current mile and point earning deals, which I update often. Check out the Credit Card Resources for more information on when to cancel your credit card, how to get a denied application approved and more! Here are 40+ ways to complete the minimum spending on credit cards if you are concerned about completing the minimum spending requirements.
THE BUSINESS GOLD REWARDS CARD® FROM AMERICAN EXPRESS OPEN
Limited Time Offer: Earn 50,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $5,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 3 months of Card membership†.
- Earn 50,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $5,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 3 months of Card membership†.
- Earn points even faster to get more rewards for your business.
- 3X points on airfare purchased from airlines. 2X points at US gas stations.
- Up to $100,000 in each category per year, then 1 point.
- Terms and limitations apply.
- Reduce travel costs, show appreciation for employees and clients, and offset everyday expenses by using points to get something back and grow your business.
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $175.
- †Apply online to qualify for this offer. See offer terms for details.
Daraius’ Tip: The usual offer for this card is zero points, so this is a good offer.
Top Deals
1A) Citi American Airlines Personal Visa – 50,000 Miles
- 50,000 AAdvantage miles after spending $2,500 within 4 months on the Citi Visa. This is NOT my referral link, so YMMV (Your miles may vary), but almost everyone gets the bonus.
- $85 annual fee is waived for the first year; 3% foreign transaction fee
- 1 free checked bag, priority boarding, and get 10% of miles redeemed back (up to 10,000 miles per year)
- Link to FlyerTalk thread with different versions of the offer
2) Chase Sapphire Preferred
- 40,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $3,000 within 3 months on the Chase Sapphire Preferred Visa
- $800 – $2,000 value if transferred to airline or hotel partners; $500 value if used for travel; $400 value if used for gift cards
- Points can be transferred to United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Hyatt, Marriott, Priority Club, Ritz Carlton, Korean Air, Southwest, and Amtrak at a 1:1 ratio
- $95 annual fee waived for 1st year; No foreign transaction fee
- Earn 2 Ultimate Rewards points per $1 on dining and travel & 1 Ultimate Rewards point per $1 for everything else
- My detailed review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred & how to get the best value from it
3A) CHASE INK PLUS
- 50,000 POINTS AFTER SPENDING $5,000 WITHIN 3 MONTHS WITH THE CHASE INK PLUS
- Points can be transferred to United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Hyatt, Marriott, Priority Club, Ritz Carlton, Korean Air, Southwest, and Amtrak at a 1:1 ratio.
- $800 – $2,000+ value if transferred to airline or hotel partners; $625 value if used for travel; $500 value if used for gift cards.
- Earn 1 Ultimate Rewards points per $1 spent
- $95 annual fee waived for 1st year; NO foreign transaction fee
- My detailed review of the Chase Ink Plus
Daraius’ Tip: Don’t think you have a business? Read my post “3 ways you may qualify for a business” here. And here’s how to ace your business reconsideration call.
3B) Chase Ink Bold
- 50,000 points after spending $5,000 within 3 months with the Chase Ink Bold
- Points can be transferred to United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Hyatt, Marriott, Priority Club, Ritz Carlton, Korean Air, Southwest and Amtrak at a 1:1 ratio.
- $800 – $2,000 value if transferred to airline or hotel partners; $625 value if used for travel; $500 value if used for gift cards
- Earn 1 Ultimate Rewards points per $1 spent; 2X on hotels and gas, and 5x on office supply stores and telecom
- $95 annual fee waived for 1st year; NO foreign transaction fee. My detailed review of the Chase Ink Bold
Daraius’ Tip: Don’t think you have a business? Read my post “3 ways you may qualify for a business” here. And here’s how to ace your business reconsideration call.
4) CHASE HYATT
My thoughts on the Hyatt card:
Sign-Up Bonus: 2 free nights at any Hyatt after spending $1,000 within 3 months with the Chase Hyatt Visa. Existing Diamond members get the 2 free nights in a suite; Existing Platinum members get 2 suite upgrade certificates for paid stays
Fees: $75 annual fee NOT waived; NO foreign transaction fee
Annual Bonus: 1 free night in any category 1 to 4 Hyatt every anniversary potentially making up for the annual fee
Other Perks: Free Hyatt Gold Passport Platinum status (free internet!)
Earning: Earn 3 Hyatt points per $1 spent at Hyatt, 2 Hyatt points per $1 spent at restaurants, car rental agencies and airline tickets purchased directly from airlines & 1 Hyatt point per $1 for everything else
Spending Bonus: 2 stay & 5 nights credits toward elite status after spending $20,000 in a calendar year. Total of 5 stay & 10 nights credit towards elite status for spending $40,000 in a calendar year.
Daraius’ Tip: Another offer with a $100 statement credit when you try to make a Hyatt reservation. Not my link, so take a screenshot before applying. 2 free nights are valid for 12 months at ANY Hyatt, but are an amazing value ($1,000 +) at top Park Hyatt’s in Paris, Maldives, or other locations!
5) Citi® Hilton HHonors ™ Reserve Card – 2 Free Weekend Nights +Free Hilton Gold Status
- 2 free weekend nights after spending $2,500 within 4 months on the Citi Hilton Reserve card
- Free Hilton Gold elite status for as long as you have the card (free internet & breakfast!) makes you eligible for discounted Hilton VIP award redemptions
- 1 free weekend night after spending $10,000 each year
- $95 annual fee NOT waived for 1st year; NO foreign transaction fee
- Earn Diamond elite status after spending $40,000 in a calendar year
- Earn 10 Hilton points per $1 spent at Hilton hotels, 5 points per $1 on airlines or car rentals & 3 points per $1 for everything else
6A) BARCLAYS ARRIVAL
- 40,000 Miles after spending $1,000 within 3 months on the Barclays Arrival card
- 1 mile can be redeemed for 0.5 cent in statement credits or 1.1 cents towards travel, so 40,000 miles is worth $200 or $440 if redeemed for travel.
- $89 annual fee waived for 1st year; No foreign transaction fee
- Earn 2 miles per $1 on all purchases
Daraius’ Tip: This is perhaps the best cash back card if you redeem for travel since you get 2.2% cash back for travel redemptions.
6B) BARCLAYS LUFTHANSA – 50,000 MILES
- 20,000 miles after 1st purchase with the Barclays Lufthansa card & 30,000 extra miles after spending $5,000 within 3 months.
- $79 annual fee NOT waived for the first year; 1% foreign transaction fee
- Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on Lufthansa; 1 mile per $1 spent elsewhere
Daraius’ Tip: You can use 50,000 Lufthansa miles for 2 domestic round-trip flights on United or US Air or for 3 1-way segments in business class. See my review for more details.
7) Citi American Airlines Business AAdvantage Visa – 50,000 miles
- 50,000 AAdvantage miles when you spend $2,500 on the Citi AAdvantage Business Visa within 4 months
- $75 annual fee is waived for the first year; 3% foreign transaction fee
- Don’t think you have a business? Read my post “3 ways you may qualify for a business” here
8) Chase United Explorer
- 30,000 United miles with the Chase United MileagePlus Explorer card after spending $1,000 within 3 months
- 5,000 additional United miles after adding 1 authorized user within 3 months
- 10,000 additional United miles after spending $25,000 within a calendar year
- 2 free United club passes a year (~2 months after opening card), 1 free checked bag ($50 value roundtrip), priority boarding, and United miles don’t expire for cardholders
- $95 annual fee waived for the first year; 3% foreign transaction fee
Daraius’ Tip: A possible targeted offer for 50,000 United miles + $50 statement credit after spending $1,000 within 3 months if you have a few United miles in your account!
9A) STARWOOD PREFERRED GUEST® CREDIT CARD FROM AMERICAN EXPRESS
- Starpoints® bonus: earn up to 25,000 bonus points: 10,000 after your first purchase and another 15,000 after you spend $5,000 within the first 6 months of Card membership. That’s enough for a weekend getaway to a Category 4 Hotel like the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, or six free nights at a Category 2 Hotel.
- Earn up to 5 Starpoints® for each dollar of eligible purchases at participating SPG hotels and resorts – that’s 2 Starpoints for using the Card in addition to the Starpoints you earn as an SPG member. Earn 1 Starpoint for all other purchases.
- Free Hotel Nights: redeem Starpoints at over 1,100 hotels in nearly 100 countries worldwide — with no blackout dates.
- Free Flights: redeem Starpoints on over 350 airlines with SPG Flights — with no blackout dates
- Get 5,000 bonus Starpoints when you transfer 20,000 Starpoints to a frequent flyer program with more than 30 airlines.
- No limits on the number of Starpoints you can earn
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $65
- Terms and Restrictions Apply
- My detailed review of the SPG program
9B) STARWOOD PREFERRED GUEST® BUSINESS CREDIT CARD FROM AMERICAN EXPRESS OPEN
- 10,000 SPG points after 1st purchase and 15,000 points after spending $5,000 within 6 months with the American Express Business SPG card
- $65 annual fee waived for 1st year; 2.7% foreign transaction fee
- Earn 2 SPG points per $1 spent at Starwood hotels & 1 SPG point per $1 for everything else
- Earn 5 nights and 2 stay credits towards elite status with card
- My detailed review of the SPG program
10) Barclays US Air credit card
- Earn 30,000 US Air miles after 1st purchase
- $89 annual fee NOT waived for the first year; 3% foreign transaction fee
- 5,000 mile discount when you redeem for US Air award travel
- Warning: You may get approved for the lower which offers only 15,000 miles with an annual fee of $49
Daraius’ Tip: The links to the 35,000 mile offer on FlyerTalk with the 1st year’s annual fee waived are the better deal because the $89 annual fee is waived AND the terms and conditions do not suggest getting a lower sign-up bonus if you’re approved for a lesser card version.
11) CHASE PRIORITY CLUB VISA
My thoughts on the Priority Club card:
Sign-Up Bonus: 80,000 bonus points through this link on FlyterTalk after spending $1,000 within 3 months OR 60,000 bonus points with the Chase Priority Club Visa after spending $1,000 within 3 months
Fees: $49 annual fee waived for 1st year; NO foreign transaction fee
Annual Bonus: 1 free night certificate every anniversary potentially making up for annual fee
Other Perks: Free Priority Club Platinum elite status as long as you have the card; 10% rebate on Priority Club award redemptions
Earning: 5 Priority Club points per $1 spent at Priority Club hotels, 2 points per $1 on gas, groceries, & dining & 1 point per $1 for everything else
12) Bank of America Hawaiian Airlines – 35,000 miles or 70,000 Hilton Points
- 20,000 bonus Hawaiian Airlines miles after 1st purchase with Bank of America Hawaiian Airline card. 15,000 bonus Hawaiian Airline miles after spending $1,000 within 4 months
- Hawaiian Airline points transfer to Hilton in 1:2 ratio, so 35,000 Hawaiian Airline miles becomes 70,000 Hilton Honors points
- $79 fee NOT waived for first year; 3% foreign transaction fee
- Warning: Bank of America may issue you a lower platinum card, if you don’t qualify for the Signature card, which offers only 10,000 miles!
Bank Accounts
1) Bank Direct’s Mileage Checking account for 22,000 AAdvantage miles
- Earn up t0 22,000 AAdvantage miles by opening a mileage checking account with BankDirect
- Read my review on BankDirect here
- Bank Direct will charge a $12 monthly fee from January which may not make this worthwhile to some
- Earn 1,000 AAdvantage miles when you are referred by an existing account holder. Email me for a referral (Not only will you get an extra 1,000 miles, but so will a blog reader since I’ve run out of referrals!)
Top Free Status Deals
1) Free Hilton Gold status – that’s free internet and breakfast! 2) 12 airport lounge passes for ~$40 - link to post on Executive Privileges Club Missing a top deal? Tell us in the comments! * If you liked this post, why don’t you sign-up to receive free blog posts in your email (only 1 email per day!) or in a RSS reader …because then you’ll never miss another way to learn about the best miles and point deals.
Related Posts:
Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.
I have earned and redeemed millions of airline miles and hotel points to travel the world for free. Now I'm blogging to help more people do the same! 
Juli– I just tried again to see how I did before and got the message “you are not eligible for any special offers at this time”.
So I guess the link is pretty quirky since before lunch, just an hour ago, I was eligible for several juicy offers! Geez… talk about a quick pull of a good offer!
Maybe Darius can clue us in?
@Darius Just FYI, today I called Citi to confirm my rewards, although I got the card 2 weeks ago, They confirmed all the info but the cards (amex and Visa) it does not include the +1 companion pass, I think the link above is the one for without the companion pass. Thanks
@Jill P @Juli – Try using a different browser or clear cookies. The offers keep on changing – sometimes you get some, sometimes you don’t. Or if you’re like me, you never get one! But this is the first time I’ve heard of them disappear in just an hour!
@adnan – The Companion Pass is virtually worthless, but you should get it in ~1 month. But I’ll edit the post since it seems unclear if folks are getting it or not.
i did the 2bm for the visa and amex citi aadvantage and imediatlly was approved for the visa with the amex pending. i called citi and got them to aprrove the amex too. will i grt the signup bonus on the amex , aas since i was first approved on the visa and only a few days later on the amex i as wondering if i would be considered a current card holder.
Hi Darius,
Currently I have 4 Chase personal CC: Amazon since 11/2010, Sapphire Preferred since 9/2011, CO/United since 03/2012 and Southwest Premier since 5/2012. I really, really want two business cards from them: Southwest Business so I can hit the companion pass, and Ink (Classic or Bold) for 5X points at the office supplies stores. Can I apply for both at the same time or space them out like 3 months apart? Thanks
I did clear cookies and that was indeed the problem. The offer is back on my screen. Hope Juli had good luck, too.
@john – You’ll likely get the bonus as long as you get the card with you.
@liw5215 – I’d get the SW business card first, so that you can get the Companion pass (you may have to call the reconsideration line) and then apply for another business card after a month or two. You can apply for them both at the same time, but you may not get approved for both, though you could decide it is worth the risk since you could always reapply later.
@Jill P – Glad it worked out!
jill P, The special offers does not come up as an option or link. Cleared cookies and did as you wrote:
go to http://www.americanexpress.com
Click Credit cards.
Click “get the card that’s best for you”, then click “personal cards”.
Then click “view your special offers” and enter in your personal data.
After “personel cards” link only the card options showed. Could not find anything that said View special offers” ??? we’re you logged in?
thanks E
Ok got it to work with Safari. No offers for me though. Thanks for the info.
Thanks a lot Daraius, I called Bank of America’s reconsideration line today and easily got approved for the Bank of Hawaii card without having to close a card. Your help is appreciated!
@Bryan – Glad it worked out!
RE: SPG Offer: I still have my AE SPG from last year but I would like to apply again for the new card. Should I cancel it, wait a week , and re-apply for the new SPG? What is the best way to handle this situation?
My wife and I have just been approved for the Chase Hyatt Visa. I had a question on how to redeem the rooms and if I can add them to an ongoing deal that Hyatt is offering.
We are planning on using the nights for our anniversary in December and found this deal thru Hyatt:
“Enjoy more than a free night from the official sponsor of free time when you stay at a participating Hyatt now through December 30, 2012.
•Stay 2 nights and get the 3rd night free
•Free daily breakfast for 2
•2 p.m. late checkout
Simply request offer code FRTIME when you book your reservation and stay a minimum of 3 nights. Then enjoy one more shopping trip, one last museum visit or just spending some time with each other. After all, a free night is great. But free time is even better.”
Is there any way to stack these deals to receive an extra night free?
@Evan – You could try applying for the personal if you have the business version or vice versa.
@Michael – The offer which you mention is for paid stays, and can’t be used when you redeem your 2 free nights, which are free.
So I tried the two-browser trick for the Citi AAdvantage AMEX/Visa. The AMEX got instantly approved whereas the Visa was pending (odd). I chatted w/ a rep and they said they required address verification, which I promptly sent them. Now it says my decision may take up to a week. I called again and spoke to another rep, and she mentioned that I had applied for 2 cards (but did not say anything about it not being allowed). Has this happened to anyone else, and if so, am I still likely to still get the Visa approved? I’m thinking they might be reviewing because I applied for 2 cards at the same time, and so inevitably it may be rejected…
@Esteban – They may not approve you for the VISA because you already have the AMEX, but you did the best you could. Good luck!
When I applied for both I got an application pending response on both. I called customer service and the rep said “OH ! You applied for 2 cards” (BUSTED) I knew UI couldn’t deny it at that point so I said yes.
Rep asked me a couple of verification and address questions and put me on hold. 5 minutes later he had both approved and I received both 2 weeks ago.
Since then I called customer service about my bonus points and they say I’m eligible for both. When I get the bonuses from both I’ll exhale. Good Luck.
@john – If you received the cards, you almost certainly will get the bonus from Citi.
I was approved on 16 July for the BA Card and wanted to know if its too early to kick off an app party on1 Sept? I plan on applying for Southwest Plus Card, Southwest Plus Business Card, SPG personnal card, US Bank Flex Perks Travel Rewards Visa Card, and both Citi AAdvantage AMEX/Visa. This will be my largest app party and I wanted to know what do you think my chances are for being approved on all cards? Also i havent activated my BA Card either lol.
@Unrea – I can’t comment on the specifics, but if you’ve only had credit cards for a few months, you likely won’t get approved for all the cards. You also will have to call Chase to get approved for the Southwest cards.
Hello,
I did the double browser Citi American Airlines personal AAadvantage Visa and Amex card about a week ago. But the Citi website looks like it is on 30k miles… How can I make sure I get the 50k miles on each? Do I need to call them? Thank you.
Is there a distinct advantage of the Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus over the Southwest Premier Personal card? You mentioned the Premier card under the Rapid Rewards Plus card heading, so I was wondering which is better. Also, if I apply for both cards in a two-month span, will I be able to get the 50,000 pts on both cards and therefore be almost at the companion pass minimum? In other words, is a second card considered a new product, and I could get the bonus on both cards? Sorry if I am being confusing.
You’re the best!!!!!!!!!!
Ive had credit cards for over 10years and my score is currently 775. Do you think I should only apply for a few cards or contine to apply for all cards that I mentioned earlier?
For the Citi AAdvantage cards, how long does it take for the companion pass to arrive?
Also, just for clarification on the $100 statement credit. If I buy a $50 AA giftcard, do I still receive a $100 general statement credit, or only $50 to cover the AA-qualified purchase?
Thanks!
@Eric Wilkins – You can confirm the 50K sign-up when you call to activate the card.
@Thea – The plus has a lower annual fee but offers fewer miles at your 1 year anniversary. The Premier card is best to keep if you’ll keep the card for a long time because you get the full value of the annual fee back in Southwest points. If you’re approved for a 2nd card, you can come close to the Companion Pass. Folks try to get the business and personal version and you will likely need to call the reconsideration line to get approved and answer questions about the business.
@Unrea – If you’re not feeling comfortable, don’t do them all. Others with a high score and 10 year history have been able to get all those cards at once, but your experience may vary.
@Esteban – The companion ticket takes 1 to 1.5 months to arrive, but is almost useless because it requires a high fare class. Depending on which offer you signed up for you could get either a $50 or $100 credit. The offer on the blog is for the full $100 credit with any AA purchase.
Thanks, Daraius! I appreciate your tips and responses so much!
I noticed on the us air mastercard application it says “Offer available to Dividend Miles members currently with Chairman’s Preferred Status only” since I am not at that status (or any u.s. air status) would I not receive the 40,000?
@Thea – You’re welcome!
@Matt – That’s what it says, but folks are applying and getting the full 40K sign-up bonus.
be caution of Barclay US airway card, today, after I tried to churn the 2nd card, i not only got declined, they closed down my first card either. this is really a shock to me. they said, even though my credit score and income are not the issue, they concerned about too many inquiries and cards over the last 12 months.
I am ok with their decision and specifically asked whether or not i am banned from Barclay, they said “no, you are more than welcome to apply in a future time”, though I don’t think i will in the next 12 months. JUST FYI.
@ben - Thanks for that warning!
if i sm citi for a match to 150 airline credit instead off 100 that i currently have, will they honor it or thats totally dead?
I got 4 companion certificates for 4 cards, 2 me 2 wife… they all expire on Nov 30, 2012, what is the best way to save them or can we extend them to a later date
Yea me too! November 30 seems pretty fast.
WOW! I am fairly new to CC churning.. but after following the advice on this blog, I have managed to rack up about 500,000 points in the last few months! The Citi deal alone has given me 250,000 miles (2 visa’s for me, 2 for my wife, and a business card) plus I got $400 in statement credits for some small AA purchases I purposely made, and have only used ONE of my stack of Admiral Club passes, which got me and my entire family of 6 into the Admirals Club at DFW. I also did the Chase Sapphire deal along with a few other targetted offers I received for AE Gold Business (75,000 membership rewards points for $2,000 in spending) as well as a Blue Sky AE for an additional 30,000, and even opened a Chase Checking for the $200 opening bonus for locking up $1,500 for 6 months.
Thanks SO MUCH!
Hi Daraius and all,
A couple quick questions… does the 2 browser trick work on Amex Hilton? I am trying to rack up Hilton pts. If I do Citi Hilton for 50k pts x 2, do I submit the 2 apps on 2 browsers literally at the same time? Should I do a Hilton apporama all on the same day? I am thinking of throwing in the B of A Virgin for 1:2 conversion. So 3 apps x 2 (my wife) = 400k Hilton pts or more with 2 browsers. Finally, since I have 120k limit on my current cards (none with Citi or Bof A), is there a chance I can get declined b/c of too much avail? I have 5 Chase and 2 Amex with abt $120k limits? Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated.
FYI, I applied for the Citi Business AA Card (not exactly sure which link I clicked, whether on this site or the Flyertalk forum link, but I ended up receiving a Mastercard, not a Visa. Not a big difference as the sign on offer as listed above is still accurate: 50k AA miles after 3k spend in 4 months with $150 statement credit with first AA purchase in 12 months, and 2x AA miles for first 12 months, etc.
Also Just got approved for the Citi Business AA Card Visa using your link. Wanted to support you guys for everything you do for the Milepoint community! Thanks Again
Is the 1 companion pass still available for first time card members?
@john - They’re unlikely to honor that.
@Mango – There isn’t a way to extend them and the fare on which you can use them is pretty restrictive.
@Chris - Glad you’re enjoying it, and safe travels!
@Ed – It works on the Citi Hilton cards as well as the Citi Hilton Reserve cards. There’s always the chance of being denied, but you can always call or write a reconsideration letter.
@Dave H – Very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
@PerryPlatypus – Thanks for thinking of me, but I don’t get a referral for the Citi 50K offer. I do get one for the 30K offer, but the 50K is much better for folks.
I just applied for myself and husband for the Citi AA Personal Visa card using the link above. For me it said they had questions, but he got approved for the Cit Platinum Select AAdvantage Visa Signature Card – is this the right card, will he still get 50k points?
@Sara – With Citi you usually get the bonus regardless of the card type.
Hi – is the Citi Personal Amex and Visa offer still valid for 50k? When I click on the link you posted, where can I see it discuss the 50k bonus points? thank you
FFlyer123, the links for the Citi AA cards go straight to the application pages and they do not mention the 50k miles or anything really. Basically, you’re applying “blind” and hoping that the offer still stands. Many people have applied in this way, and have gotten the bonuses. I did this 5 months ago, and got both cards with the bonuses. I also did the same with the business card last week and verified after approval that the bonus for 50k is still valid. Good luck!
Thanks Dave H – it looks like on citi’s website, those reward points are showing as 30k miles now:
https://creditcards.citi.com/credit-cards/citi-platinum-select-aadvantage-visa-signature-card/
Makes me a little hesitant to apply in case they don’t honor the offer..
I just got targeted from Priority club for 80,000 points. However, I had the card and gave it up about 2 years ago (I received 60,000 points and Platinum status back then). I tried to apply for the card again last year, but they told me I couldn’t get the bonus since I already had the card. Is there anyway, now that it has been 2 years, to get the card again as well as the 80,000 targeted points? Thanks for your help.
@Michael – The thing with Chase is that once you get the bonus for the card you can never again get a bonus for the same exact card ever again. That’s why you really have to be picky when it comes to the current bonus being offered.
@Michael @Ken – You can usually get the sign-up bonus again if it is considered a new product. Some folks also have luck by leaving their membership number blank, but your experience could be different.
I was wondering if you know how the Citi AA statement credit works…Does it have to be the first purchase with the card? Can I buy a gift card and use it later, and does it count towards the statement credit? Thanks.
@Bob - It doesn’t have to be the first purchase. Gift cards for AA, bought on the AA website do seem to count.
WARNING ! ….Got a solicitation via email for gift cards from Amex and bought some using the CitiAmex card and it went through as a cash advance even though Amex said it wouldn’t. YMMV
Hi guys,
I’m also concerned that the links for the Citi AA cards go straight to the application pages and they do not mention the 50k miles or any miles at all. Do you know if the offer still good? Today is 09/01. Please rely ASAP as I’m about to apply but very hesitant as I don’t want just to get another credit card with no bonus 50K. They are hitting the credit score every time and it will be just a waist if I won’t get the bonus. Thank you for your help.
Hey traveltheworld1 and Millionmilescrets community – I’m wondering the same thing. And I’m commenting on 9/1/12.
I applied this morning using the same link from flyertalk I got approved but I am not sure I will get that 50k. If understand correctly if the link is not dead , you should receive that 50k bonus.
Hey onecoolrt – make sure to tell us whether the 50k still works!
@MMS… previously you mentioned the Citi AA companion pass is virtually useless, could you explain why? Previously i thought i was not getting it, but it did come on mail yesterday. Things on the certificate was not clear, then i called AA to ask how this thing work, the agent explained that, i could book a companion ticket for free+tax when I book my flight. It sounds great to me.. but what sucks, is that it has an expire date of 30 Nov 12 , and don’t have any plan to go anywhere, I did call citi and requested to extend the expire date of the certificate, the agent also told me that citi sends out a companion pass every yr around Aug, and valid for 90 days. If seems nice if they would send one for visa and one for amex.
After using this website a ton for my research before my first mini app-o-rama, I thought I better pay it forward and let everyone know about my experience. I applied for the Citi Amex and Visa with the 2 browser method. I was very skeptical about the links to the 50k bonus awards, but went for it. I was instantly approved and received both cards in the mail about 3 weeks ago. I called to activate each separately and asked about the bonus and was thrilled to learn that each would receive the 50k bonus. I also asked about the companion certificate and was told it was not part of the offer. However, yesterday I did receive two companion passes in the mail good through Nov. 20. On another note, I was monitoring my credit score through MyFico. I had a 796 before the app. The next day, it dropped to 785 (11 points!). However, the day after I activated the cards, I checked back in and it had increased to 800! So, long story short, the links work; I am getting 100k bonus miles and 2 companion certificates and managed to increase my credit score. Loving this site!
@traveltheworld1…I applied for the Citi Visa on 8/29 using the link above, and after I was approved, I called and they confirmed the deal described about with 50k points after $3000 spend in 4 months.
Hey all – I just applied for the Citi American Airlines Personal AAdvantage Visa (did not do the 2 browser trick which I now regret) and called in to confirm the deal. They told me it’s 40k miles after the first $2000 spent then the rest 10k miles after $5000 spent. Plus $150 auto credit after my first AA purchase within 12 months.
Thanks Million Mile Secrets – you guys are seriously awesome!!!
Southwest 50k card is dead? Boo, I was just about to sign up for this
Update 2 brower Citi AAdvantage 50K AA miles x2 still works 9.11.12!!! Called Customer service 50k miles! Now to spend $6000……
@john – Thanks for the tip!
@traveltheworld1 – Based on the comments, the Citi AA 50K offer still works. But if you want to see a landing page, you can find an offer for 30K or 40K points.
@onecoolrt @Sara @Andy K – Thanks for confirming that this still works.
@Brad - Thanks for sharing and glad you had a great AOR!
@yoonieman – If you used the links on the blog, you should get 50K miles.
@Galak – I suspect it will come back soon.
American express Business Gold Card offering 75,000 miles sign up bonus***today is deadline**** Here is the link if anyone wants it
http://www262.americanexpress.com/landing-page/business-cards/sclp/bgold/pm0009/43211
I was looking into transferring some money to the bank direct mileage checking account. I do not know what miles are worth these days so i am unsure if it would be worth the 12.95 monthly charge or not. Can someone help me figure it out. If I transferred 80,000 to that account would the miles I earned each month be worth the monthly charge the bank would charge me? i am self employed so the majority of the sign up bonuses seem a bit difficult to obtain. I appreciate any help.
@Anah – $80,000 would earn 8,000 AA miles a month which most folks wold say is well worth the monthly fee. In 3 months you’d have 24K miles for 3 months worth of fees and it is 25K miles for a coach flight within the US.
Hi Darius,
If I already got the Southwest signature visa . Can I still apply for the Plus and will that go toward companion flight. I only need 50000 more by end of year. I was told my southwest signature visa point that I got does not go toward companion flight. Can I apply for that or should I apply for the business card got get points toward companion flight?
@leslie – Readers have managed to get the points for all versions of the SW card. However, the bonus is only 25K now, so I’d wait until it returns.
the link to the app for the Virgin Atlantic Amex is not working – has that deal been pulled?
@Ahmed and anyone interested. I applied for a second US Air Card and got it, furthermore on my “newer” card I got an additional offer that if I spend more than $750 in the months of September, October and November I will get 15,000 bonus miles. I noticed that my first US Air card with the 40,000 bonus after first purchase was a “Platinum” card and the new one is a “Premier World” card, so that may be why I got double approved. I see the special terms that you need to spend some thing every six months or your points could be taken [though I doubt it] and that the 15,000 bonus points are valid only on your first US card [I have two different account numbers and will merge after the promotion...]. I am waiting on my wife’s 2nd US Application submitted 8/22/12 – they are taking a while…
@Grace – That also happened to me and I ended up getting two AMEX cards. I am hoping to get the 50k bonus on both of them, but I don’t dare call and ask. Once I receive those points, I will also apply for the Visa for an additional 50k!
@danny b – I’m waiting for a link to a new 50K offer, but if it doesn’t show up the best is 25K.
@Marriott Marty - Very interesting. That’s how Emily managed to get 2 US Air cards as well. Thanks for sharing!
@Rachel – You will get the bonus on the 2 Citi AA AMEX cards, but will be denied for another Citi AA personal card unless it has been 18+ months since you were last approved for the personal Citi AA cards.
Anyone know if the bonus miles from Chase United Explorer card qualify for the Million Miler program, or only actual flight miles will be count toward that?
Just got a targeted offer for an American Express Gold premier rewards card today. 50,000 membership reward points if you spend $1,000 within the first 3 months with the $175 fee waived for the first year. Applied and got the card instantly. When I went to the app link it also said I could have the platnium instead which gave you 100,000 points but had a $450 fee… I passed on that, since the fee didn’t appear to be waived for the first year like the Gold was.
@Nathan – Credit card miles don’t count towards United’s lifetime status.
@Chris – 100K points for a $450 fee is great, especially since you can get a $200 travel credit in 2012 and 2013.
Is the Citi American Airlines rewards points valid for use on other airlines are is a restricted to American only? This is a great Site. Thanks for providing this information for people. I am working towards reaching my goal of paying for a week long cross country trip for free next summer.
@Chris K – You can use them on Oneworld alliance and select non alliance partner airlines. See this post on booking award travel with AA miles —> http://millionmilesecrets.com/2012/02/04/american-airlines-award-travel/#more-8811
I got the Business Gold Amex, but was charged a $10/card ($20 total) linkage fee on my Amex Blue. Is this typical? During the application, it said to give my current Amex info to make the application go faster, but I didn’t know this was coming. I plan on calling to try to get this removed.
@GS – I’m not sure, but it could be worth it to be able to transfer your accumulated points on the Blue to airline/hotel partners. It doesn’t hurt to call!
i have received 2 offers and was wondering if you know anything (pros-cons) about these offers:
1st i received one for 30,000 advantage miles to open a citi bank gold account.
the 2nd is an offer for a united plus explorer business card with up to 35,000 bonus miles. I already have the personal explorer card and received that bonus. Can I get another bonus when signing up for the business card or do they consider it the same?
Thanks for all your help!
Karin
@Anah – You will likely get a 1099 tax form for Citi for the 30K miles (valued at 2 cents each or $600) which makes this expensive. You can get the bonus for the United Business card as well, but the bonus on the personal card is as high as 55K + $50. If you applied for the personal United card in the last 93 days, you should be able to send them a secure message and ask to get matched to the better offer.
They 1099 you? Thats a bit crazy!!! And for sure not worth it.
I dont mean to seem stupid but what do you mean by secure message them?? On the web site? Can I call them as well? Sorry for all the questions, but I am new to this and trying to learn the ways!
thanks so much,
@Anah – You can call them, but you have a written record with the secure message. Here’s a post on sending a secure message from the Chase website –> http://millionmilesecrets.com/2012/03/30/chase-secure-message/
Help… trying to refer the AMEX Gold Business (to my wife) but for some reason on the referral page I can see 2 out of my 3 AMEX cards only… the missing one is the one I want to refer… the Gold Business. When I log in to my account I see all 3 cards are registered; and when I try to enter the card number instead of my account info to refer I get a “Try again later” error message. Should I call into AMEX or does anyone know if for some reason that referral option is not available with AMEX Gold Business?
Hello MMS,
I have a question, I work for a small business, now like any business lots of CC card offers come on mail, and I throw them away. Today I received a mail for Amex Business Gold Reward Card from Amex Open for 75K bonus miles, the application also has a reference code to apply for the card, now my question is do the application has to be the company that the offer came to, or it can be any one with the reference code, since the company wont be applying for the card?
Hi Darius, I have one question on United Mileage card. I see the following message when I login into my United account and hover my mouse on “Exipiration” link “Upon Cancellation of your credit card account, your miles will expire in accordance with MileagePlus program rules”. Does this mean, my united points I received as a Bonus (55K points) will expire if I cancel the card when it’s time for annual fees? Any input is appreciated. Thanks.
@bdben – The referral page is buggy. This isn’t very helpful, but perhaps try again later?
@adnan – You can try applying for it, but I don’t have any personal experience. I’ve heard that they are transferable.
@RK – It means that after you cancel the card, you have to have some sort of earning or spending activity (which is easy to do) every 18 months to keep the miles alive per United’s rules.
@ Darius… My next churn is Nov, but i dont think i will apply till Jan, will do every quarter, if you want i can post the reference code here.
I applied for both the Citi Aadvantage personal cards today. I was instantly approved for the AMEX and I got a funny online chat extra approval for the VISA – she asked for my cell phone number and then approved me. I called and talked to one representative who reviewed the 50K award after 3,000 for the visa and then told me i also got the same for the amex. They didnt seem to care that I had 2 applications.
Also, I had the visa for 17 months, cancelled 3 days ago after I had gotten it with the 75K offer and then a couple of retention bonus offers… I never paid an annual fee and got pretty much every bonus possible for a grand total of 180K miles in 17 months which got me to Peru and back on business class and Argentina and back on coach…. I have 95K left over. My credit score is 802.
I got the US Airways Premier World card last week. The fee is not waived for the first year and for the 40,000 miles, I must pay the fee, make one purchase for 10,000 miles and if I make a balance transfer I will get 30,000. Have I missed something then, the above info. on this card is saying something else.
@Christina - Very nicely done!
@carl - Did you apply using the link in the post which is better than the regular offer for the US Air card.
Hi! Did anyone recently apply for the Citi Business American card? Can you please share info on what sign-on bonus you received? Citibank and AA websites both list only 30k miles!
@SP – Just like the personal card – where the 50K links on the blog work, but the Citi and AA website mention only 30K – you should be able to get 50K by using the links on the blog.
Thank you!
On the Citi AAdvantage Cards, is the $100 AA credit applied for a purchase of any amount (including a small in-flight snack, for example), or only for the amount of the purchase (up to $100)?
@Rachel – It should work for any amount.
@Rachel,
I got the credit for buying a $3 snack on AA flight,about 3weeks back. Bought it twice using the 2cards
Darius, I am new to this game and love to learn all about it. Thanks for all your info. I now have 4 new cards- 2 Citi and 2 Chase. Now I have to spend some money to quality for the miles.
My contractor is charging me $1,500 for a parking pad and will not take my credit card payment – only a check. What can I do to use my credit card in this case? I read something about it in your blog but did not really understand what to do.
Please help
Thank you so much.
Birgitta
Darius,
In regards to my previous email to you, I meant to say my contractor is charging me $15,000 not $1,500.
Would love to use my credit cards for this charge.
Thanks again
Birgitta
If you have the following already, please direct me to it as I could not find it. If you do not have the following, I think it would be a great help as an article or in-depth blog post.
Many of us will be cancelling our CCs right before the one year anniversary so as to avoid having to pay the fee for having the card (that was in most cases, waived in yr 1). You spoke very briefly about this above to RK, but I think a detailed article about what to do would be very helpful.
Some will cancel your miles, while others won’t. However, with the ones that cancel them – there is a way to avoid this. Perhaps you can explain more about this process.
Thanks!!!
@Birgitta – Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do if your contractor isn’t accepting a credit card. You could ask him if he will accept gift cards, and you could then buy those with a credit card.
@Andrew – I’ll put that on my to-do list! In short, you won’t lose miles and points in your airline or hotel accounts by cancelling a card. But if they are points belonging to a bank’s program like Chase Ultimate Rewards, you should either transfer them to an airline partner, to another Ultimate Rewards card or use them before cancelling.
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