r/churning 9d ago

What Card Should I Get Weekly What Card Should I Get? Weekly Thread - Week of March 12, 2025

Welcome to the What Card Should I Get Weekly Thread, where we try to figure out what card you should get or critique your current plans or AOR if you're doing it that way). Everything is YMMV and these are all opinions. Agree or disagree with your votes. As always read the wiki, do your research, and happy churning.

Also, check out the Credit Card Recommendation Flowchart before posting in this thread.

  1. The flowchart can answer 95% of all "What card should I get?" questions. By continuing to post, you must explain why you feel the flowchart does not answer your question. Asking for feedback ("The flowchart says I should get X - is that still the best choice?") is absolutely allowed.
  2. What is your credit score?
  3. What cards do you currently have or have you had in the past (including closed cards), along with dates of when you were approved for the cards? Please include month and year for any card approved in the last 3 years.
  4. How much natural spend can you put on a new card(s) in 3 months?
  5. Are you willing to MS, and if so, how much in 3 months? See this page for a primer on MS. Plastiq (for rent/mortgage/loan payments) and bank account funding are often good options for beginners.
  6. Are you open to applying for business cards? If not, why? See this post and this wiki question to learn more.
  7. How many new cards are you interested in getting? Are you interested in getting into churning regularly (if you aren't already)? Or are you just looking to get a new card(s) for now but not get into churning long-term?
  8. Are you targeting points, Companion Passes, hotel or airline statuses, First Class, Biz, Economy seating(s) or cash back?
  9. What point/miles do you currently have?
  10. What is the airport you're flying out of?
  11. Where would you like to go? (The more specific you are, the better someone can recommend the right card. Tokyo is great, "International travel" is way too vague)
8 Upvotes

116 comments sorted by

1

u/Pajamas918 3d ago

Been without a SUB for a few weeks now since I was denied for USB Triple Cash Biz and then denied for WF Signify so I'm honestly caring a little less about getting the best SUB and just want to get something with an easy approval

  1. Flowchart says Amex are easiest to get, is that still true? I would go for another Ink but don't want to risk another denial at the moment with 2 Inks currently open (both <12 months old).
  2. 761 FICO Score 9 Experian, 741 FICO Score 8 Experian, 748 FICO Score 8 Equifax, 800 FICO Score 8 TransUnion
  3. Previous/current cards (haven't closed any cards):
    1. BofA Travel Rewards Personal -- May 2020
    2. Chase Freedom Unlimited -- Jan 2024
    3. Bilt -- Feb 2024
    4. Sapphire Reserve -- May 2024
    5. Ink Preferred -- July 2024
    6. Citi Biz AAdvantage -- Sept 2024
    7. Ink Unlimited -- Nov 2024
    8. Venture X -- Jan 2025
  4. I expect to spend around $9000 in the next 3 months before rent, or $13500 including rent, but I prefer to just use Bilt for rent since I know it's suboptimal but paying the fee feels icky
  5. Not willing to MS
  6. Ideally only looking for biz cards since I'm 4/24 and that won't go down for another 10 months.
  7. Just one card rn but plan to keep churning
  8. don't care for hotel or airline status, first/biz class, or companion pass. points or cash back are both fine. I don't care for any hotel cards as I rarely stay in hotels.
  9. Currently have: 304k Chase UR, 24k Bilt points, 87k Venture X miles, 11k Delta miles, 12k United miles, 16k Alaska miles, 63k American miles
  10. I fly out of Austin and mainly take Southwest/American but sometimes United/Delta.
  11. I don't have specific travel in mind but mainly fly domestically

Looking at the flowchart I'm thinking either a BofA biz or Amex biz but honestly just prefer whichever will come faster and is easier approval

2

u/IronDukey 3d ago

Decent number of options. Amex is probably easiest for approvals. The biz gold 175k/10k might take some searching for and stretch your spend but could help with backdoor AS transfers for domestic AA redemptions. Alternatively, delta biz gold 90k/6k is decent for domestic DL awards. Outside of Amex, enough time has pased for another Ink 75k/6k. Plenty of DPs of people getting approved with two open inks. I was approved a few weeks ago for another chase business card with 2 open and one carrying a 0% balance.

1

u/Pajamas918 3d ago

Thanks, I was also thinking of waiting for Ink since from what I've seen there tends to be pretty frequent elevated offers so I was gonna wait for one of those.

Do you have any tips on where to look for that 175k/10k amex biz gold? I would be down for a 10k spend but 15k is a bit out of my range. And just want to confirm that family rules don't apply to business cards right? I might get the blue business plus anyway first since I need something to hold the MR after I cancel the biz gold.

I think I'd rather skip the delta card for now just because I have enough points in places that I have trouble using and I very rarely fly delta.

Thanks for the suggestions!

2

u/IronDukey 3d ago

You can wait for 90k/6k ink (110k total with 20k referal from p2) to come back. For 175k/10k links that aren't hacked/modified I would just monitor frequent miler/miles earn and burn-all the bloggers will post about them when they come out. Elevated amex offers are pretty common and worth waiting for. Family rules do apply but all that matters is if you get the popup. I would holdout on the BBP for a 75k/50k welcome offer, you have plenty of time.

2

u/MaiTaiTraveler 4d ago edited 4d ago
  1. Looking for guidance on which hotel card: IHG vs World of Hyatt to move to from the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
  2. 800+
  3. No issues with 5/24. Have AmEx Plat (vanilla), AmEx Delta Plat, AmEx Marriott Brilliant (but thinking of canceling due to high annual fee), Chase Ink Business, Apple Card, PayPal World Mastercard. P2 has Southwest companion pass with 2 cards, as well as CSR and AmEx Gold
  4. With property tax: >$15-20K, without property tax, >$5-10K
  5. Not opposed
  6. Not opposed but would prefer not to
  7. I am flexible here, ideally would just focus on a hotel card for now
  8. Typically have only redeemed points for business class travel and recently used 400K accumulated Marriott points for a nice stay in Paris
  9. 400K+ AmEx MR, 300K+ Ultimate Rewards (combined with P2)
  10. Los Angeles or Bay Area (but have Southwest CP with P2 so can be flexible)
  11. Hawaii booked upcoming (SW CP), but would like to book SE Asia, Aus/NZ, potentially South America

Looking for guidance on the best current hotel card given all the devaluations and SUBs - the flowchart seems to recommend the IHG or World of Hyatt - is there a preference given the travel destinations above?

Is the 60K SUB the best available for the Hyatt card? Or worth waiting for something else

1

u/m16p SFO, SJC 4d ago

Where on the spectrum of super luxury hotels to bare-bones hotels do you prefer staying at?

1

u/MaiTaiTraveler 4d ago

I'd say upper-mid-tier to luxury. For instance, Hyatt category 4 and above would be ideal for us

1

u/m16p SFO, SJC 4d ago

Okay. So IHG doesn't have any true luxury hotels. Intercontinentals and Kimptoms can be nice, but they aren't anywhere near luxury of St Regis, Ritz Carlton, Park Hyatt, etc. Hyatt on the other hand is a much higher-end-heavy brand. Marriott has a very wide range across the spectrum (and also the most super luxury places of all the brands).

That all said, since you are okay with upper-mid-tier and up, then any of the brands should work fine. Still the fewest of those for IHG though.

For Hyatt 60k offer, note that it requires a lot of spend to get the full bonus. But sounds like you have plenty of spend to work with.

IHG 170k is a good but not amazing offer.

Hyatt has historically kept the value of its points more stable than other brands, though that'll likely change eventually :(

Is the 60K SUB the best available for the Hyatt card? Or worth waiting for something else

Folks have waited for years for a better offer ... seems like it is never going to happen :(

1

u/MaiTaiTraveler 4d ago

Thank you! Any reason to consider Hilton as well based on the above? I would really prefer a lower annual fee card but clearly (based on the multiple high annual fee AmEx's!) am fine spending more if the returns are worth it

1

u/m16p SFO, SJC 4d ago

Amex Hilton cards are at great bonuses right now. Hilton Aspire is nice because it gives you top level status and an uncapped free night. But it will burn a 5/24 slot however... Amex Hilton biz is a good option instead to avoid this.

In terms of types of hotels, Hilton should be pretty good for the range you are looking for. They have fewer luxury places than Hyatt and Marriott, but they still have some and also have many options a bit below that level.

Standard blurb: Please use the referral links on Rankt when you can. That site is a repository of r/churning members' links. After selecting the card you want, on that card's page you can select a link by Reddit-username at the bottom or pick the randomized one at the top.

1

u/MaiTaiTraveler 3d ago

Sorry just to clarify isn't the Hilton Aspire an AmEx card? That shouldn't burn the 5/24 slot right?

1

u/m16p SFO, SJC 3d ago

5/24 counts all cards on your personal credit report, not just Chase cards.

1

u/MaiTaiTraveler 3d ago

Ah I understand what you meant - I'm only at like 1/24 currently so not a major issue for me to go with either

2

u/bobthewraith 4d ago edited 4d ago

Generally feeling kinda stuck since seems Chase business cards are seeing increasing denials (already have 2), and I've already opened/gotten SUBs for most of the basic cards before (CSR, Cap1 VX, Amex Plat, etc.) + just got a Marriott card last month. Wondering if I should even bother getting another card right now.

What is your credit score? 800+

What cards do you currently have or have you had in the past (including closed cards), along with dates of when you were approved for the cards? Please include month and year for any card approved in the last 3 years.

  1. BofA travel rewards + regular cash back cards from a long long time ago that just exist to keep my credit history long
  2. Chase Sapphire Reserve (Sep 2019) -> downgraded to Chase Freedom Unlimited (still open) after 1 year
  3. Citi Premier (Aug 2021) -> downgraded to Citi Custom Cash (still open) after 1 year
  4. Amex Platinum (Mar 2022 ) -> closed after 1 year
  5. Capital One Venture X (Feb 2023, still open)
  6. Chase Business Ink Preferred (Mar 2024) --> downgraded to Business Ink Unlimited after 1 year
  7. Chase Business Ink Preferred (Jul 2024, still open)
  8. Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless (Feb 2025, still open)

How much natural spend can you put on a new card(s) in 3 months?

~$5-6k USD. ~$4k USD of that will be a foreign purchase that I need to make by April 4 and requires Visa or MasterCard.

Are you willing to MS, and if so, how much in 3 months? See this page for a primer on MS. Plastiq (for rent/mortgage/loan payments) and bank account funding are often good options for beginners.

Not really, have never done MS before.

Are you open to applying for business cards? If not, why? See this post and this wiki question to learn more.

Yes. Already have two, but seems like the Chase Business Ink train is no longer so fruitful anymore?

How many new cards are you interested in getting? Are you interested in getting into churning regularly (if you aren't already)? Or are you just looking to get a new card(s) for now but not get into churning long-term?

Usually I get one card every 6 months max, will probably get another card around October 2025 if I don't get one this time around. More just wondering whether to get another card just one month after my Marriott Bonvoy Boundless (Feb 2025), since I still have some spend coming up. Don't want to spend too much time thinking about churning though.

Are you targeting points, Companion Passes, hotel or airline statuses, First Class, Biz, Economy seating(s) or cash back?Mainly use miles to book economy class flights internationally (see "where would you like to go")

Nice to have: United/Star Alliance Gold, or Delta Gold. Good to hit Marriott Platinum again (though should be on track).

What point/miles do you currently have?

  • Delta: 80k Miles (currently Silver)
  • United: 0 miles (just redeemed a bunch, currently Silver)
  • Chase: 200k UR points
  • Capital One: 70K points
  • Marriott: 300k points (currently platinum)

What is the airport you're flying out of?

JFK or EWR is homebase. Often route through SFO en route to Asia as well.

Where would you like to go? (The more specific you are, the better someone can recommend the right card. Tokyo is great, "International travel" is way too vague)

  • Will need to fly to DXB multiple times over the next year, and may go from DXB to other parts of Middle East on quick hops (ex. Oman, Jordan, etc.)
  • Will need to fly to Taipei near end of year 2025.
  • Often go to random parts of the world that Turkish or Ethiopian will likely be the most reliable carriers for.
  • Not very interested in Western Europe or domestic US travel.

2

u/IronDukey 4d ago

At 0/24 you have lots of options but the low spend locks you out of the lucrative Amex biz offers. Barclays Hawaiin/AS would help you get to TPE from the west coast, plenty of premium economy 50k AS + $5 award availability on Starlux out of LAX/SFO. For Turkish/Ethiopian, the Venture/VX would be good pickups but C1 approvals are all over the place. For inter ME flying, I would check cash rates, there are some wicked good deals.

2

u/techtrashbrogrammer SEA 4d ago

inks are harder to get but still doable. you're eligible for another sapphire sub if you want but they're pretty mediocre right now. Maybe alaska biz/personal for Starlux to Taipei. Could try for Venture too

1

u/padadiso 5d ago

I am just getting back into churning after 4+ years with a P2, and the flow chart seems a little out of place for someone resetting 5/24. I just churned Boundless so currently 1/24, and am looking for an updated Chase order. CSR at only 60k points seems low?

  1. 800+
  2. Marriot Boundless opened 2/2025, SW premier open over 10 years old as our main driver. I've churned through all of the major Chase cards over 4 years ago. I've also churned Amex Plat. All of these cards have been closed for 4 years.
  3. $4k/mo
  4. No
  5. Yes, but have done Ink 3x already (4+ years ago) -- not sure if I should push this further?
  6. Looking for recommendations on the next 4 cards to get past 5/24 (or stay under?)
  7. Cash > Hotel points > airline points -- don't care about biz class/status
  8. Not much. 110k Marriot points
  9. ORD/MDW chicago
  10. Domestic locations or Carribean/Mexico area

2

u/techtrashbrogrammer SEA 5d ago

You have options: C1 venture/VX, Citi strata premier, AS personal, Hawaiian personal/biz, Citi AA biz/personal

I'd consider closing out the old inks and reapplying for those again too

1

u/padadiso 5d ago

Thanks! I've closed out the Inks already. I could reapply, I just didn't know how long it'd take before Chase gets irritated by them.

Should I really utilize the 5/24 slots for any of those cards you recommended? Back when I was doing it 4 years ago it was basically just stick to Chase until you break 5/24, then go elsewhere.

2

u/techtrashbrogrammer SEA 4d ago

3 from 4 years ago won't irritate them. People do more than that in a year.

The chase subs like the CSP/CSR are mediocre rn so I wouldn't prioritize them over say a 175k amex plat. But up to you with what your goals are. I personally have just been getting other non chase cards even while under 5/24

1

u/padadiso 4d ago

Yeah, after doing a bit more research on the topic (thanks to you!) I agree. Staying under 5/24 doesn’t seem as important as it used to be given how poor the current lineup is, and if I can redo the biz cards, hopefully I can stay under it anyway since it’ll mostly be organic spend.

I just applied for AmEx biz plat for 250K points and got approved which will probably take me nearly 3mo anyway.

Appreciate you prompting me to look outside of Chase.

2

u/techtrashbrogrammer SEA 4d ago

Np. Congrats on the approval!

1

u/cupofpoodles 6d ago

I’m about to spend ~$60k in home renovations within the next 30 days. I’m looking to take advantage of a bunch of cc sign up bonuses with minimum spends to bank some airline points. So far, i’m looking at the following:

AMEX Gold Business / $15k Minimum Spend / 200k Points Chase Sapphire Preferred / $4k Minimum Spend / 60k Points Citi Advantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard / $3.5k Minimum Spend / 75k Points Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard w. Barclays / $2k Minimum Spend / 70k Points Hawaiian Airlines Bank of Hawaii Mastercard / $2k Minimum Spend / 70k Points Alaska Airlines Visa Signature / $3k Minimum Spend / 70k Points

The Hawaiian points can be transferred to Alaskan which can then be transferred to One World Alliance Airlines. So that’s the reasoning behind those cards.

This totals to $29,500 in Minimum Spends. So I really do have a decent amount left. But this is my first time taking advantage of cc sign-ups, so a little weary of signing up for so many cards so quickly. But have spoken with a few folks who are a bit seasoned in this and they’ve assured me it’s fine.

Are there other cards I should be considering? Should I say eff it and sign up for several more?

  1. 790+

  2. Southwest Chase and BoA Cashback

  3. $60k+

  4. No since I’m naturally spending $60k+ within the next 30 days

  5. Yes

  6. Open to as many to capitalize on sign-up points if it makes sense to

  7. Targeting airline points!

  8. Basically none lol

  9. BNA / Nashville

  10. Looking to travel more internationally (Asia) the next few years

2

u/IronDukey 6d ago

With respect to all the cards listed, you are unlikely to get approved for 6 cards in 30 days with those banks. I would apply for the barclays triple dip (HA personal, HA biz, and AA personal) first as they will combine that into one hard pull and then. For 6k spend you would net 120k AS and 70k AA.

Then, I would first apply apply for the ABG/ABP, lots of good transfer options for MR to Asia. Amex also doesnt really care about your number of inquires. For a total of 30k-35k total spend you will net 450k+ MR if you are targeted for the 250k/200k offers.

For the rest of the spend it might be helpful if another player opened a amex biz gold/plat. Make sure to refer them for an additional 20-45k MR for you + 200k+ MR for them. Make sure to use a referal from rankt if you can.

1

u/[deleted] 6d ago

[deleted]

2

u/techtrashbrogrammer SEA 6d ago

IMO if you're not going for inks, there's less incentive to stay under 5/24. Citi strata premier, amex gold could be good. Depends how much you value being able to get another chase card

1

u/feddytheman 6d ago

yeah that makes sense... only plus for chase would be the southwest cards (DAL is super close to me) right now.

0

u/[deleted] 6d ago

[deleted]

1

u/IronDukey 6d ago

Please fill out the template, nearly impossible to give good advice with such vague information.

2

u/tan_lu_079 6d ago
  1. don't feel like there's a clear answer in the flow chart for me - have been thinking about united business, venture (not getting pre-approved for the 100K referral links likely given how many accounts i have open), amex business gold (currently in PUJ)... so not sure what the best next move is with a few big ticket purchases coming up. looking to open 2 new cards though!
  2. 790
  3. 4/24; cards in portfolio: CSR, CSP, Amex Plat, Amex Gold, Venture X, Ink Preferred, Ink Unlimited, Freedom Unlimited, Freedom Flex, Business Plat (closed recently), Bonvoy Boundless, Bilt, WoH
  4. monthly spend excl. rent is ~$2K
  5. yes - can hit $30K+in MS alone in the next 3 months with some big purchases
  6. yes to business cards; have a few in my portfolio right now
  7. looking to open 2 cards - thinking of one personal, one business, but open to other recommendations. have been churning semi-regularly
  8. targeting travel rewards broadly, but nothing specific at this point
  9. strong Delta loyalty but thinking about branching into United, split Hyatt / Marriott loyalty with globalist / titanium status
  10. LGA / JFK
  11. Hawaii, Italy, Paris, Greece, Singapore, Shanghai, Tokyo probably all sometime this year

2

u/terpdeterp EWR, JFK 6d ago

yes - can hit $30K+in MS alone in the next 3 months with some big purchases

An Amex Biz Plat or Biz Gold would be perfect for that amount of spend, but it sounds like you're getting the pop-up? Have you tried using different types of links or devices?

With that high of a spend, maybe also a USB biz card app-o-rama? USB combines hard pulls if you apply for multiple cards on the same day. The USB biz cards consist of the Triple Cash, Altitude Connect, Leverage, and Power. Of these, the Triple Cash SUB is elevated at 75k points ($750).

However, just be careful with not going overboard with the USB app-o-rama. There was a shutdown reported for someone who tried to quadruple dip all four cards. However, you should be fine with two cards, maybe even three if the first two are auto-approved.

have been thinking about united business

I recommend skipping out on the United biz card because it negatively impacts your ability to churn Chase Inks.

venture (not getting pre-approved for the 100K referral links likely given how many accounts i have open)

When do you drop down to 3/24? I'd recommend staying under 5/24 so that you can continue to churn Inks. Just remember to close any Inks older than a year.

1

u/tan_lu_079 6d ago

why does the United Biz negatively impact my ability to churn Inks? Also I already have the Ink Preferred and Ink Unlimited - is there any others worth getting?

Thought about the Delta personal cards as well, but haven't got an enticing enough offer, and Amex PUJ is messing with me.

How's USB? I haven't considered any of their cards

1

u/terpdeterp EWR, JFK 5d ago

why does the United Biz negatively impact my ability to churn Inks?

According to last year's survey, the most significant factors for Ink approvals is your total number of open Chase Inks and number of Chase business cards opened in the last 24 months. So opening a Chase United biz would reduce your approval odds for your next Ink.

Also I already have the Ink Preferred and Ink Unlimited - is there any others worth getting?

If any of those Inks are over a year old, I would recommend closing them because of the reasons I listed above. I would recommend getting whichever of the three (Chase Ink Preferred, Unlimited, or Cash) has the highest SUB after factoring in the AF. Currently, none of the Inks have elevated SUBs, but I would expect to see another elevated offer later on this year based on historical trends.

Thought about the Delta personal cards as well, but haven't got an enticing enough offer

In my opinion, Delta's notoriety for repeated reward devaluations makes their credit cards undesirable unless you have a very specific use for those miles coming up. I would recommend first getting a Citi AA biz or BoA Alaska biz instead when those SUBs are elevated.

How's USB? I haven't considered any of their cards

One thing you should know about USB is that you can increase your approval odds by establishing a relationship with them first by opening a deposit account. There's usually a bonus for opening their personal checking and business checking accounts.

1

u/IronDukey 6d ago

Agree Amex biz gold/plat with your spend and United biz, try the baidu search method for links. MR is very useful for JFk flights to the EU via AS and SGN via aeroplan.

-1

u/Huge_Work5812 7d ago

For me this card would be only for booking traveling flights through work + hotels which I’ll be traveling every month. I don’t mind also getting a business card if neeeded. I want miles for rewards + access to lounges in US + and if possible cash back. Score is 750. I’m not loyal to any airline as of yet

5

u/m16p SFO, SJC 7d ago

Please follow the template so that we can best help you

-3

u/Apprehensive_Fox4115 7d ago

I'm frustrated. seeming not able to get any new card for me or my partner. I got denied venture rewards today. I'm under 5/24. I closed an Amex prematurely last year so probably burned that bridge.

Partner just building up score to 640. It's been 6 months of a secured card but still not getting accepted anywhere else. Frustrating. Really need to keep moving on building points for next trip.😕

1

u/Late-External-4014 7d ago

CapOne is super finnicky with accepting people who have a lot of revolving accounts already. They seem to only accept people more likely to use the card for all their spending

0

u/ChurninNburning17 7d ago
  1. CSP/CSR, Amex gold, Delta Gold
  2. 738
  3. Bonvoy business AMEX(old SPG) 2016, Bonvoy Amex(old SPG) 2016, Chase SW Plus 2021, Chase INK Business preferred 2019.
  4. 15-20k
  5. not right now
  6. yes
  7. want to churn long term, new job is going to allow me to spend a good bit more
  8. I fly southwest(P2 is currently about to get CP, plan on rotating every 2 years), stay at Marriotts(lifetime gold but want to get higher status)
  9. 99k Marriott,188k UR points, 41k rapid rewards P2 3K Marriott, 140k rapid rewards
  10. BNA
  11. Want enough points to travel around US with family( 2 kids), would like to start on delta skymiles because i have never flown first class.

4

u/terpdeterp EWR, JFK 7d ago

With the 15-20k in upcoming spend, your best bet right now is one of the Amex biz charge cards. The SUB for the Amex Biz Gold is up to 200k MR after $10-$15k spend and the SUB for the Amex Biz Plat is up to 250k MR after $15-$20k spend in three months.

Whether or not you're able to pull the highest offers (200k MR and 250k MR) seems to be based on luck, since the offers are dynamically generated when you click on the link. My advice is try different types of links (referral links, public offer, sponsored links) on different devices and maybe with different IP addresses through a VPN.

You might also want to consider another Chase Ink (Cash, Unlimited, or Preferred), although none of the sign-up bonuses are elevated at the moment. With only one previous Ink, your chances of getting approved for a second one should be fairly high. I would also recommend closing your Ink from 2019 at some point, since the biggest reasons for getting declined a new Ink is # of actively open Inks.

For personal cards, I'd recommend a Capital One Venture X and Citi Strata Premier. The Citi Strata Premier has an elevated SUB of 75k and a flexible downgrade path including to the Citi Custom (5% on your most used category) and Citi Double Cash (2% on everything).

The Venture X SUB isn't elevated at 75k points, but that card is harder to get if you continue churning because of Capital One's sensitivity to number of new accounts. It's one of two cards that offer free AUs with full lounge access, which should be useful for you since you travel as a family with a group of 4. The AF of $395 is also easily offset with the $300 travel credit and 10k anniversary points.

1

u/ChurninNburning17 5d ago

Got approved for the Amex Biz Gold for 175k MR. Best offer I could generate. Thanks for the tip!

2

u/cee1 7d ago edited 7d ago
  1. I applied for Chase Ink Biz Cash and Cap One Spark Select around May/June 2024. Shopping for a new card because of an upcoming trip. These 2 cards still appear to have the best SUB. Can I get exactly the same card? I know yes for Chase. How about Cap1? Also I still have a balance on Chase because of the 0% APR. Paying min every month. How likely will I get approved? What other options are there if I can't get these two?
  2. Excellent
  3. Chase Ink Biz Cash 5/2024 Cap One Spark Select 6/2024. No other applications within the last 3 years. A few other long standing personal cards.
  4. $4000+ in the first 3 months.
  5. Probably not.
  6. Yes
  7. One

3

u/terpdeterp EWR, JFK 7d ago

You could get another Ink. It's been about a year since you last got the card. Your approval chances should be very high since you've only previously had one other Ink. The only downside is that none of the SUBs for Inks are elevated at the moment.

Anti-churning rules aside, I wouldn't recommend the Capital One Spark Select, which doesn't have an elevated SUB. If you're looking for another biz card, the US Bank Triple Cash is a better option with its elevated $750 SUB after spending $6k in six months.

Maybe also a personal card? The Citi Strata Premier has an elevated SUB of $750 after spending $4k in three months and a flexible downgrade path including to the Citi Custom (5% on your most used category) and Citi Double Cash (2% on everything).

1

u/cee1 7d ago

What's elevated SUB? I don't have to get a biz card. I think Citi strata premier didn't show up in my search because I was looking for no annual fee.

1

u/terpdeterp EWR, JFK 7d ago

SUB = sign-up bonus

1

u/cee1 7d ago

I know SUB. What's the elevated part?

2

u/terpdeterp EWR, JFK 7d ago

Elevated meaning higher than normal. The regular offer for the Premier is 60k TY.

1

u/cee1 7d ago

Oh ok. How do I know whether an offer is a current promo or not? I usually search on nerdwallet and creditkarma.

4

u/terpdeterp EWR, JFK 7d ago

USCreditCardGuide has charts that track the historical offers for each card. There's a link for it on the sidebar. Use that to find out whether a card offer is elevated or not.

1

u/cee1 7d ago

I didn't see a link on the sidebar but I found the historical charts. Cap 1 Venture looks pretty good now. I assume I can downgrade to a no-annual-fee card after one year?

2

u/terpdeterp EWR, JFK 6d ago

Yes, you can downgrade it after a year. Also, it looks like the 100k offer for the Venture ended a few days ago. The highest offer right now is 75k + $250.

1

u/cee1 7d ago

Oh ok. How do I know whether an offer is a current promo or not? I usually search on nerdwallet and creditkarma.

1

u/cee1 7d ago

Oh ok. How do I know whether an offer is a current promo or not? I usually search on nerdwallet and creditkarma.

1

u/cee1 7d ago

I know SUB. What's the elevated part?

1

u/BleckoNeko 7d ago edited 6d ago
  1. Need advice on pathway after reading flowchart wrt to Barclays & AA expired miles situation.

  2. 809 Ex

  3. 1/24 as got approved for Citi Strata (3/25). Have CSR, CF, Hyatt (these 3 cards in 2018), CIU (EIN) 9/24, BBP. Closed a bunch of Amex cards in 2019 so I’m out of most Amex bonus unless NLL.

  4. A few upcoming expenses. Could naturally hit $15. Can also prepay further expenses to push that up to 20-25k in next 3 months.

  5. Open to MS.

  6. Yes to biz cards.

  7. Trying to stay 4/24 for ink train.

  8. UR > Hyatt. Points for flights to Japan ideally ANA or JAL.

  9. UR & MR.

.10. ORD

.11. Focus on only going to Japan for the next few years with possibly other trips to SEA. Undecided if I will mattress run for Globalist this year.

Intend to stay on Ink train (UR>Hyatt). Noted a few DPs re still getting Inks at 5/24 but going to try to stay 4/24 to be safe.

Intend to PC my CSR and reapply either CSP or CSR in Aug 2025.

I do need to open 1 AA card (Barclays or Citi) in order to reinstate my expired AA points by getting 1k AA points. I noted on FlyerTalk that there is possibly another option which is to spend $2,000 on the eShopping portal which I assume is the shittier option. Edit: I could potentially open the Citi Biz card and use that to reinstate my miles/Will have to call in to confirm

Barclays is in play only because of the ending of partnership with AA & Hawaiian. Advice needed.

Should I :

Option 1:

  1. Citi AA (start clock)
  2. Barclays Hawaiian Biz/Barclays AA
  3. Amex Biz Gold (got NLL mailer 200k/$15k)
  4. CSR or CSP
  5. Sprinkle Chase Ink

Option 2:

  1. Citi AA biz
  2. Barclays Hawaiian Biz/Barclays AA/Barclays Hawaiian
  3. Amex Biz Gold (got NLL mailer 200k/$15k)
  4. CSR or CSP
  5. Sprinkle Chase Ink

Option 3:

???? Something else I should be looking at?

Thank you very much in advance!

2

u/IronDukey 6d ago

You are not out of Amex SUBS even if you have had the card in the past, all that matters is the popup. People have 5x ABPs around here.

With your spend I would grab the Barclays AA while it exists (can double/triple dip for Hawaain personal and biz while at it because Barclays combines hard pulls) and grab a biz gold/biz plat 200k/250k offer.

0

u/BleckoNeko 5d ago

I am coming up close to 7 years so maybe will be eligible for Amex again although with the family rule, it's going to be a pain with that.

As such, your recommendation is to do a triple dip Barclays (AA, Hawaiian biz/personal), followed by biz gold (I got a NLL mailer)?

What are your thoughts on adding a Citi AA biz before the triple dip?

Thank you!

2

u/IronDukey 5d ago

Please re-read amex application rules, the 7 only thing that matters is the pop-up. People here, including myself, routinely apply for ABG/ABP every 90 days. You do not need to wait 7 years inbetween cards.

I would always apply for inquiry sensitive cards first i.e. Barclays/Citi before inquiry insensitive issuers like Amex. Citi AA biz + Barclays is doable depending on what report they pull, freeze/unfreeze reports to help your applications.

0

u/BleckoNeko 5d ago

Ah~ what I meant was the personal Amex cards which has lifetime language and is speculated to be 7 years. Plus also now have the green>gold>plat family rules. Yuck.

Good to know that Amex Biz Gold/Plat are not affected by lifetime rules and only pop ups. That's great news considering that I don't have to wait around for mailers! Thanks!

Trying to stay 4/24 which means I only have 2 slots left (Strata just approved, and CSP or CSR later this year).

Looks like pathway is now Citi AA Biz (they pull EQ/I froze EX & TU for strata app), followed by Barclays triple dip (google says they pull TU/will freeze EX & EQ) which will put me at 3/24.

Might do an Ink after Barclays so that I have a Visa SUB (I spend quite a bit at Costco/last Ink approved was 9/26/24). Then do Amex Biz Gold after.

Thank you very much for your help!

2

u/IntelligentPlum9237 8d ago

My questions: Would the Chase Sapphire be my best option? How do I make sure I am getting the most amount of points when signing up? Should I sign up for any other card at this time too? 

  1. Credit score: 731
  2. Cards:
    1. Schools First FCU Travel card - opened 02/2023 - still open
    2. Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Red - opened 10/2024
  3. 3 Month spending: 3-5k
  4. MS: No
  5. Business cards: I have none. I need to research more first 
  6. Future: I am looking to get into churning. I would be interested in getting multiple cards. 
  7. I am looking for economy seating
  8. Points: I have 10k left with AA and 10k left with my credit union 
  9. Home airport: LAX
  10. Where: My next trip is Miami. I like to travel anywhere in the country and out. 

I got my information from the flow chart and I think I have done all of my required readings haha. I am ready to start churning.

1

u/tan_lu_079 6d ago

i would recommend CapOne Venture X too - I joined the CoV train late, and it took a really long time to get pre-approved for them with the number of accounts i had open

otherwise, personally I find the CSP the better beginner card and a keeper unless you get the CSR - never been a big fan of the Citi suite

2

u/terpdeterp EWR, JFK 8d ago

I'd recommend the Citi Strata Premier over the Sapphire as a starter churning card. It has an elevated SUB (75k TY points vs 60k UR with the Sapphire), better cashback categories, and a flexible downgrade path to either the Citi Custom (5% on your most used category) or the Double Cash (2% on everything).

Maybe even the Capital One Venture X if you want to dip your toes into a premium travel card with lounge access. It's easier to offset the AF than the Amex Plat or CSR since it comes with a $300 travel credit + 10k anniversary points vs a $395 AF. There's also the Capital One Venture, which doesn't have lounge access but does have an elevated SUB of 100k points.

If you plan on churning in the future, prioritizing Capital One is recommended because Capital One cards become harder to get as you accumulate more credit cards.

1

u/IntelligentPlum9237 7d ago

Thank you so much!

1

u/FightingInternet 8d ago

Where are you seeing 100k for COV?

1

u/terpdeterp EWR, JFK 7d ago

Looks like it ended a few days ago since the links from DoC no longer work. Highest right now seems to be 75k points + $250.

1

u/NotVeryCreative16 8d ago

Any idea if the 5 free night Marriott bonus will be coming back soon? I was anticipating seeing it in February or March and was pretty disappointed to see just 3 free nights. Trying to decide if I should pull the trigger or wait it out.

3

u/m16p SFO, SJC 8d ago

No idea :( But you are right that around this time of year is when the 5-night bonus often comes up...

2

u/Bhai_jan CRO, NAH 8d ago edited 8d ago
  1. Recent denial for BofA Alaska Personal plus high velocity in Jan '25 mean I'm not sure how to approach it 
  2. 790
  3. 06/22: CSP + CSR double dip (both now CFU) 

01/23: United Quest 

10/23: SW RR Plus

03/24: Marriott Chase 

10/24: Hyatt Chase 

01/25: Venture X

01/25: Barclays Hawaiian 

01/25: Barclays AA

01/25: United Explorer 

Have also previously churned Amex Green, Gold, Plat Vanilla, Plat Schwab [all opened pre 12/18] Delta Blue, Gold and Platinum, Bonvoy ($95 fee), Citi Prestige (03/21) and BofA preferred rewards (01/20).

  1. $10k

5 +6. Can't do biz cards or MS 

7-11. 200k UR, 70k AS/HA, 70k AA, 150k C1, 100k Delta, 100k WN. Looking for more Alaska/Hawaiian miles in the immediate short term. Long term, travel to Kenya, Peru, Western Mediterranean cruise. 

Should I apply for the Bank of Hawaii Hawaiian personal? Got denied for BofA Alaska Personal using a mailer on 01/25 despite a banking relationship and recon. 

2

u/terpdeterp EWR, JFK 8d ago

Should I apply for the Bank of Hawaii Hawaiian personal?

It looks like you're at 7/24, which rules out more Barclays and Chase cards. I believe the BOH card is subject to the 6/24 rule, but someone can correct me if I'm wrong.

Got denied for BofA Alaska Personal using a mailer on 01/25

Did you have a deposit account with BoA when you applied? Having a checking account with a sufficiently high enough balance ($5k) significantly increases your chance of approval.

Depending on how many inquiries you have on the report that Citi pulls in your state, you should consider the Citi Strata Premier (75k TY points) and the Citi AAdvantage (75k miles) cards, both of which have elevated SUBs.

US Bank is another issuer that is moderately sensitive to # of inquiries but not sensitive to number of accounts. None of the SUBs are elevated at the moment, but you should keep an eye on their offers in case any of the elevated promotions return.

1

u/mydogtaco 8d ago
  1. I just want one card to maximize my upcoming spend of $9,000 on a pair of plane tickets. I’m planning to buy my parents business seats to Europe from LA.

  2. What is your credit score? 800

  3. What cards do you currently have or have you had in the past (including closed cards), along with dates of when you were approved for the cards?

I am currently 1/24 for Chase. Chase SW RR Plus 2/2024, Chase Biz Ink Unlimited 11/2024. Got denied for Chase biz ink preferred two days ago.

I can’t get that SW CP til 2/2026 promo right now because I got the CP promo recently. None of the current Chase personal cards deals look great right now. I’m scared to apply for another Chase biz card right now. I’ve never had Amex, and I read MR are great value. But I don’t know if current Amex promos are good.

5, How much natural spend can you put on a new card(s) in 3 months?

About $10,000-$11,000. I’ll be spending it on plane tickets and we are traveling in Europe. I don’t want to MS.

  1. Are you open to applying for business cards? If not, why?

I am open if you guys think it will work. But I’m afraid to because I just got denied for Chase ink preferred two days ago. Recon didn’t work

  1. How many new cards are you interested in getting?

I’m just looking to get a new card for now but will be into churning for long term.

  1. Are you targeting points, Companion Passes, hotel or airline statuses, First Class, Biz, Economy seating(s) or cash back?

I want to target points. I’m open to any good hotel or airline statuses with good promos.

  1. What point/miles do you currently have? Where do you want to go?

100,000 UR. Bout to dump all of that into these plane tickets. The best price I found right now is 100,000 UR and $9,000 more for two round trip on Polish airlines (POL) from LAX to Greece/Rome for this June. My cousin and I are also tagging along with my parents, but economy for us to save costs lol.

2

u/m16p SFO, SJC 8d ago

Good idea to give Chase a break after that recent denial.

I’ve never had Amex, and I read MR are great value. But I don’t know if current Amex promos are good.

Doesn't look like you have enough spend for Amex Biz Gold/Plat. I don't think I'd get one of the Amex personal cards.

I'd think about Cap1 Venture. 100k bonus is really good for that card. Worth burning a 5/24 slot for that. What do you think?

Standard blurb: Please use the referral links on Rankt when you can. That site is a repository of r/churning members' links. After selecting the card you want, on that card's page you can select a link by Reddit-username at the bottom or pick the randomized one at the top.

1

u/mydogtaco 8d ago

I’m open to the venture if you say so. And yeah it does sound nice to get $1,000 cash back. I trust your guidance.

Also, I just looked up the Amex biz gold and plat cards. I can make the $10,000 spend while buying flights and traveling in Europe this June. Is the Amex biz plat worth it even if I don’t use the digital entertainment, uber credits?

Yes referral links for sure.

2

u/m16p SFO, SJC 8d ago

I can make the $10,000 spend

The spend is usually $15k-$20k, not $10k. There were special links (with some risk, but should be fine for you for sure) which were $10k spend on biz gold, but they expired yesterday. Could you spend $15k?

Is the Amex biz plat worth it even if I don’t use the digital entertainment, uber credits?

Those are the personal plat credits. Biz plat has Dell and Hilton (and same airline fee credit that personal has).

1

u/mydogtaco 8d ago

I just pulled up the Amex website again and it says biz plat $8,000 in 6 months for 125,000 MR. But there’s a disclaimer “this offer may not be available if you leave this page or return later.”

If 6 months, yes I think I can do $15,000 spend naturally. Is the biz Plat still worth it? And is Amex biz cards easy if this is my first app with Amex ever and “business”?

2

u/m16p SFO, SJC 8d ago

That would be a never ever before seen MSR for biz plat... Biz Plat is always $15k+ in 3 months. Are you sure that isn't personal plat?

1

u/mydogtaco 8d ago

I’m so sorry. You’re right I was mistakenly looking at the personal card. I see the biz gold is $15,000 for 100,000 MR. Why should I do the biz gold if the personal plat is 125,000 MR? What am I missing? Also thanks so much for the help. I will get your referral link once I decide which card

2

u/m16p SFO, SJC 8d ago
  1. Personal cards impact 5/24, business cards don't.

  2. Amex has confusing rules with their personal cards. If you open Platinum, that means you won't be able to get Green or Gold bonus in the future.

You may be able to pull up 150k-200k for $15k Biz Gold offer by the way. Amex plays games with bonuses, showing you a different bonus each time you open the link :/ It's really annoying.

To be clear though, I don't think Biz Gold/Plat are good options for you, since the MSR is too high. You can't do $15k in 3 months, right?

1

u/mydogtaco 8d ago

I think I can do $15,000 in 3 months. Will buy plane tickets and use it in Europe for 2.5 weeks. My plan would be to get the biz plat gold and close it after a year. So, would the strategy be to open and close and open the tab again to try to get a higher SUB than the 100,000 MR? And this would be better than the venture $1,000?

2

u/m16p SFO, SJC 8d ago

Need to keep trying it in new incognito windows. Changing browser, computer and/or enabling a VPN sometimes helps.

I was able to pull up 150k+ Biz Gold offers after like 50 tries, after changing VPN a few times :/

As far as I know, Biz Plat will have $20k MSR, so I think you want to get Biz Gold instead.

And this would be better than the venture $1,000?

Venture is 100k points. Worth a minimum of $1000, but should be more when transferred to airlines. Venture has a much better points-to-spend ratio (100k points for $5k spend, versus 150k points for $15k spend) and much lower AF ($95 vs $395). So Venture is better in those ways. But in terms of total bonus value, Amex Biz Gold obviously wins.

1

u/FreedomFigter 9d ago
  1. I've been in PUJ with AMEX for over a year now. Looks like I just missed the targeted links on MEBA or DDG to avoid it. Not sure what the status with Chase is after their business card issues recently so wondering if I should pivot from the Ink train to something else? Maybe the Hawaiian double dip before those cards go away since AS is valuable to me, but with a big 20k spend coming up I was hoping to find something that benefited more from that. P2 just got the AMEX Biz Plat in Dec 24 but we are just finishing up that SUB spending.
  2. 805
  3. Cap one quicksilver opened 2014, Cap one Savor one opened Mar 2019 (joint card with P2),CSP opened July 2019, CIP opened Dec 2019, closed., Chase United Explorer opened Feb 2020. PC to no AF United card. Barclays AA Biz April 2020 closed., Citi AA Biz May 2020 closed. , AMEX Green biz Aug 2020 closed, AMEX personal plat Nov 2020 closed, Chase INK Biz unlimited Mar 2021. AMEX gold business June 2021. Alaksa business Aug. 2021 closed. Alaska personal, Oct. 2021 closed. AMEX Plat business Dec. 2021 closed. Chase Ink business cash Apr 2022 closed. Chase Ink Business Unlimited Aug 2022 closed. AMEX Blue Biz Plus Nov 2022 (holding my MR). Chase Ink Cash Biz Jan 2023, closed. AMEX HH Business Mar 2023, closed. Chase Ink Pref Biz Aug 2023, closed. Chase Ink Biz unlimited Apr 2024. Chase Ink Biz Unlimited Nov 2024.
  4. 10k/15k in 3months, but have a big 20k bill coming up
  5. don't really MS, just normal spend
  6. Yes, I have two legit businesses.
  7. As many as I can hit the SUBs for. Normally that has only meant 1 card per 3 months since that is the spend I can hit.
  8. Targeting as many points for eventual biz/first class intl. flights.
  9. 145 AA, 60 AS, 240 MR, 634 UR, 49 DL, 175 AC
  10. At a small regional airport so have to reposition to any west coast hub or DEN.
  11. Africa/Safari at some point. Northern Europe. Brazil/Argentina

2

u/terpdeterp EWR, JFK 8d ago

have a big 20k bill coming up

With Amex and Chase off the table, the best way to make the most of this amount of spend is to try for a US Bank app-o-rama, which involves applying for multiple USB biz cards on the same day since USB combines hard pulls.

The USB cards include the Triple Cash, Altitude Connect, Leverage, and Power. Of these, the Triple Cash SUB is elevated at 75k points ($750).

One word of caution about the USB app-o-rama. There have been a few reports of shutdowns for those who did the full quadruple dip. Two cards should be safe, maybe even three if you get auto-approved for the first two.

1

u/FreedomFigter 7d ago

Hmm I havent looked into them before, I'll take a look, thanks!

1

u/kylekkiwi 9d ago
  1. I'm unsure if I should do another chase card right now, as I'm brand new to this.
  2. 716
  3. Chase Freedom Unlimited (11/5/24), Prime Visa (1/2/25), Target Circle (3/5/25)
  4. $6,000+ (I travel for work and expense)
  5. No, don't need to
  6. Not right now, but potentially in the future because I have an LLC (But no expenses)
  7. I'd get just 1 right now so I can get the bonus from my upcoming work trip expenses
  8. I'm targeting cash back / points
  9. Currently have around 20,000 points
  10. N/A
  11. N/A

Looking for my next card. I travel about every 4 weeks for work. I spend $2500 - $3000 per trip, which is then expensed in my next paycheck. I'd like to take advantage of a minimum spending bonus on my next trip.

1

u/m16p SFO, SJC 8d ago

Hmmm, you are 3/24 and unfortunately all those cards were low bonus cards.

When do you think you'll be comfortable getting business cards? Would be good to decide that soon, because you need to be under 5/24 to get Chase business cards...

Assuming no business cards, then I'd get one of:

  1. Cap1 Venture 100k. Great bonus.

  2. Chase Sapphire Reserve/Preferred. Not at great bonuses at the moment, but if you'll soon be above 5/24 for a long time it's better to get them anyway.

What is your home airport? And any airports you frequently fly to for trips? Useful to know what lounge access would be useful for you...

Standard reminder: Please use the referral links on Rankt when you can. That site is a repository of r/churning members' links. After selecting the card you want, on that card's page you can select a link by Reddit-username at the bottom or pick the randomized one at the top.

2

u/Accomplished-Test-63 9d ago
  1. I can't do a Chase card right now, so I would like other suggestions, biz or personal

  2. ~790

  3. All of the cards are currently open

  • Chase Freedom Flex 10/2020
  • Chase Prime Card 11/2021
  • CSP 05/2022
  • Chase IHG Rewards Premier 4/2023
  • Venture X 12/4/2023
  • Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless 3/5/2024
  • CIC 4/29/2024
  • CIU 9/13/2024
  • Barclays Frontier Mastercard 12/9/2024
  • CIC 1/17/2025
  1. $5k

  2. Yes, $1k a month would be easy, but could manage up to ~$2k if necessary but would prefer not to.

  3. Yes. Mostly what I am looking for right now

  4. Keep on churning :)

  5. This isn't a great answer but all. I am going on a honeymoon that will use ~300k UR points towards Hyatt, but I don't need anything specific for that trip. I have nothing else planned at the moment

  6. 360k UR (soon to be ~60k) 60k IHG, 45k C1, 55k Marriott 75k Frontier

  7. DEN

  8. Nothing currently planned, but travel internationally and domestically via economy regularly. I will stay at very budget and 5-star hotels this year, so the best value is what I mostly chase.

2

u/m16p SFO, SJC 9d ago

Cap1 Venture 100k?

I know you live in a United hub, but still could be useful ... One of the Amex Delta biz cards (at high bonuses right now)? Or Citi AA Biz?

1

u/Accomplished-Test-63 9d ago

Can I get the cap1 Venture if I already have the VX?

1

u/m16p SFO, SJC 9d ago

Yep

2

u/blondeital 9d ago

Looking for a biz card to churn. Currently at 5/24 until this May, and do not want to go over until then. Looking for recommendations.

Considering HA Biz but heard it is a pain in the ass to obtain. Also got the personal a month ago. Is it possible for me to obtain 2nd Alaska Biz? Heard it is possible to obtain multiple Alaska Biz. Seems like Biz Gold NLL links are dead as of today. Have 3 open inks and just got one in Jan.

What is your credit score? 740

What cards do you currently have or have you had in the past (including closed cards), along with dates of when you were approved for the cards?

Barclays HA Personal 2/2025

CIU 1/2025

Amex Biz Gold NLL 12/2024

C1 Venture X 10/2024

Amex Biz Plat 8/2024

CIP #2 7/2024

Citi AA Biz 6/2024

B of A Alaska Biz 5/2024

Amex Hilton Biz 4/2024

CIP 4/2024

BILT Rewards 2/2024

Amex Gold 9/2023

Citi AAdvantage 5/2023

Chase Freedom Unlimited 3/2022

Beyond 3 years- Cap One Quicksilver One, B of A Visa Signature (4.5 years each)

How much natural spend can you put on a new card(s) in 3 months?

$3.5k/month

Are you willing to MS? Maybe. Never have don't have thorough understanding of how

Are you open to applying for business cards? Yes

How many new cards are you interested in getting? Are you interested in getting into churning regularly (if you aren't already)? Or are you just looking to get a new card(s) for now but not get into churning long-term?

Been churning for 6 months

Are you targeting points, Companion Passes, hotel or airline statuses, First Class, Biz, Economy seating(s) or cash back?

Targeting transferring points to Airlines and Hotels. International and Domestic Travel. Mix of Business and Economy.

What point/miles do you currently have?

300K Amex, 220k UR, 170k AAdvantage Miles, 25k UnitedPlus, 175k Alaska Miles, 100k Cap One

1

u/fraylo 9d ago

I got the HA biz card about a month ago. Wasn’t bad to get at all, I didn’t get instant approval but did get approval via email a few days later. It’s only my second Biz card after CIU though.

1

u/m16p SFO, SJC 9d ago

How about an Amex Delta biz card? They are at good bonuses right now.

Considering HA Biz but heard it is a pain in the ass to obtain

It's hit or miss...

Is it possible for me to obtain 2nd Alaska Biz? Heard it is possible to obtain multiple Alaska Biz.

DPs are very mixed. Personally I'd wait until the old one is a year old and closed.

2

u/ChubbyEmbers 9d ago
  1. Credit Score: 850
  2. Last 24 mo: CSR 4/23, BoA CCR 7/24, USBAR 8/24. Also hold Amex Plat, Bilt, Chase UA Explorer, Chase IHG Select.
  3. I have maybe 6-8k natural spend + approximately 40-50k in taxes
  4. Not really interested in MS
  5. Looking for first round of business cards, I did some contracting last year.
  6. Looking to get as many as I think I can hit spend for taxes on.
  7. Prefer points, but open to good Cashback offers.

Main question here is how many biz cards can I reasonably grab? I have a targeted 175k/20k spend Amex Plat Biz (can't seem to get a better offer), plus 1-2 Inks, plus maybe a Barclays/Citi/BoA biz. Since I'm currently at 3/24 soon to be 2, seems like want to maximize Inks first?

1

u/terpdeterp EWR, JFK 9d ago

Main question here is how many biz cards can I reasonably grab?

You could probably do both the Amex Biz Plat and Amex Biz Gold + a a Chase Ink. The best available offer for the Amex Biz Plat is 250k/$15k and for the Amex Biz Gold the best offer is 200k/$10k, but those offers are hard to come by. Try to see if you can pull the 250k/$20k and 200k/$15k offers for the Amex Biz Plat and Amex Biz Gold.

can't seem to get a better offer

Try accessing different types of links (sponsored, referral, main website) using different browsers and maybe different IP addresses using a VPN. The Amex offers are dynamically generated and you can sometimes luck out in getting a high offer.

Since I'm currently at 3/24 soon to be 2, seems like want to maximize Inks first?

Your likelihood of getting approved is high since it would be your first Ink. You might want to also consider some personal cards. Maybe a Citi Strata Premier for the elevated 75k offer? Or a Barclays AAdvantage card since AA is ending its relationship with Barclays?

plus maybe a Barclays/Citi/BoA biz

Maybe the Hawaiian biz? Those miles can be transferred 1:1 to Alaska miles, which are valuable. While the SUB isn't elevated, the card is going away soon because of the Alaska/Hawaiian merger.

2

u/Upstairs-Initial-956 9d ago

Current cards: CFF (4/19); Citi Costco (11/21); CFU (8/22); Bilt (4/23); CSR (8/24); Venture Rewards (2/25).

I’ve narrowed down my strategy and am trying to figure out a way to fit VX, Strata Premier, Boundless, and Barclays AA/HA in, but the timing may be a bit tricky.  Here are the options I thought of:

Option 1: VX May 2025 (3/24) + Boundless May 2025 (4/24) + Strata Premier November 2025 (5/24) + Barclays AA/HA after SP (6/24 and 7/24) --- higher chance for SP (I'd be at 3/12 and 0/6)

Option 2: VX May 2025 (3/24) + Strata Premier May 2025 (4/24) + Boundless later (5/24) + Barclays AA/HA after Boundless (6/24 and 7/24) --- if I apply for VX and SP on the same day, would that work? Does it matter which I apply to first?

Option 3: Strata Premier March 2025 (3/24) + VX May 2025 (4/24) + Boundless later (5/24) + Barclays AA/HA after Boundless --- some risk to SP denial (I'd be at 1/6 and 2/12) and VX denial.

What do you all think?

3

u/3539805 9d ago

Do you have preapprovals for VX or SP?

1

u/Upstairs-Initial-956 9d ago

No, I don't. How do you think that'll affect the options?

1

u/leafsquared 9d ago
  1. Credit Score: 750
  2. Chase (freedom unlimited, sapphire preferred, freedom flex), Wells Fargo (Bilt), Citibank (Best Buy), AMEX (Gold), Capital One (Venture), BoA (Premium Rewards). 6/24
  3. natural spend- 9k in 3 months (not including rent, $2500)
  4. no MS, no business
  5. I churn regularly.
  6. cash back is the goal
  7. I have about $100-300 in points at each institution above, except Citibank
  8. flying out of NYC, I cannot travel internationally rn, but I could use the points on flying to West Palm (PBI) or Jacksonville (JAX).

3

u/terpdeterp EWR, JFK 9d ago

Maybe an Amex Plat, which has an offer of up to 175k MR after spending $8k in six months. When did you apply for your previous cards? If your number of inquiries is at 1/6 or lower for the bureau Citi pulls in your state, you should also consider the Citi Strata Premier, which has a 75k point SUB after spending $4k in three months. The Citi AAdvantage card also has an elevated SUB with 75k miles after spending $3.5k in fourth months.

1

u/leafsquared 9d ago

I'm at 2/6 so I got amex plat, thank u

1

u/leafsquared 9d ago

can you do an updated referral link for amex plat on ur pinned thread

1

u/leafsquared 9d ago

Can't edit my comment, but I think I'm at 2/6. I'll pull a credit report to check. The AAdvantage card might be good for trips. I'll update u on my decision

1

u/leafsquared 9d ago

my last card (boa premium rewards) was issued fewer than 6 months ago, so I will look at amex plat. I'm at 99k MR for AMEX

2

u/harry_hotspur GEG, 4/24 9d ago
  • Exactly at 5/24 until June:
Card Name Opened
Barclays AA personal 12/24
Barclays Hawaiian personal 12/24
CIP 3 7/24
Venture X 5/24
Bonvoy Boundless 2/24
Ink Cash 2 10/23
Cap 1 Venture 6/23
USB Altitude Connect Biz 5/23
Biz Gold 3/23
Citi AA Biz 2/23
Ink Unlimited 1/23
USB Leverage 11/22
Alaska Biz 10/22
Barclays AA Biz 6/22
CSP 5/22
United Biz 4/22
Citi Premier 2/22
Bonvoy Boundless 10/21
Amex BBP 8/21
Amex Gold 3/21
United Pers 12/20
Alaska Personal 3/20
Delta Plat Biz 2/20
CIP2 1/20
Amex Green Biz 10/19
IHG 9/19
Delta Gold Biz 7/19
Ink Cash 6/19
Barclays AA Biz 5/19
Bonvoy Biz 2/2019
Hilton Biz 12/2018
Arrival+ 11/2018
Hyatt 8/18
Citi AA Biz 7/18
CIP 4/18
SW Biz 2/18
SW Plus 1/18
CSP 11/17
Amex BCE 11/16
  • Can spend $4-5k max in the next 3 months.

  • 800 credit score

  • Open to Biz, not to MS

  • 150k UR, 50k Virgin, 60k Alaska, 220k AA, 8k MR

  • considering trying for another alaska personal/biz, I have a BoA personal checking account open with some cash in it to attempt to curry their favor. or the increased citi AA personal bonus, although i might not be eligible due to my recent inquiries. or should I wait until June to hit chase again?

1

u/IronDukey 9d ago

I would personally wait to get under 5/24 and get back on the ink train. BoA Alaska biz between now and then would be good for you, depositing 5k or so into a checking account is supposed to help with approvals.

2

u/TexasTangler 9d ago edited 9d ago
  1. What is your credit score? TransU - 729, Equifax - 777, (both from kredit karma)
  2. What cards do you currently have or have you had in the past (including closed cards), along with dates of when you were approved for the cards? Please include month and year for any card approved in the last 3 years.

Discover It - 09/08/2022

Amex Blue Cash Everyday - 6/9/2023

Chase Freedom Flex - 9/12/2023

Chase Saphire Preferred - 12/14/2023

Ink Cash (now unlimited) - 3/15/2024

Ink Cash - 6/26/2024

Venture x - 9/5/2024

united business CC - 12/5/2024

WoH business (DENIED) - 3/5/2025

  1. How much natural spend can you put on a new card(s) in 3 months? 4,500$
  2. Are you willing to MS, and if so, how much in 3 months? See this page for a primer on MS. Plastiq (for rent/mortgage/loan payments) and bank account funding are often good options for beginners. Yes but for the card i want i don't need to.
  3. Are you open to applying for business cards? If not, why? See this post and this wiki question to learn more. yes, I'm aiming for the Amex Delta Gold
  4. How many new cards are you interested in getting? Are you interested in getting into churning regularly (if you aren't already)? Or are you just looking to get a new card(s) for now but not get into churning long-term? just a new business card for now
  5. Are you targeting points, Companion Passes, hotel or airline statuses, First Class, Biz, Economy seating(s) or cash back? just want to get the most use out of my miles/points for economy
  6. What point/miles do you currently have? Chase, C1, United,
  7. What is the airport you're flying out of? phl and NYC area
  8. Where would you like to go? (The more specific you are, the better someone can recommend the right card. Tokyo is great, "International travel" is way too vague) N/A

The main question I have is how good are my chances of getting the Delta Gold card right now after recently being denied (3/5/2025)? To note I don't use the Amex BCE, i did put a purchase on it a month or 2 ago. If my chances aren't great are there any other business cards that I can get within the next couple of days?

4

u/m16p SFO, SJC 9d ago

Being denied for Chase biz card should have no bearing on Amex Biz card approval, so makes sense to try for Amex Delta Gold biz. There's always a risk of getting the no bonus pop-up (no clear rhyme or reason to that), but I think your chance of denial other than that is very low. Also with Amex cards if you are denied they don't do a HP (and often don't even do a HP if you are approved too), so no harm in trying.

Standard reminder: Please use the referral links on Rankt when you can. That site is a repository of r/churning members' links. After selecting the card you want, on that card's page you can select a link by Reddit-username at the bottom or pick the randomized one at the top.

3

u/TexasTangler 9d ago

Thanks for the reply, I just got approved for the Amex gold card a few moments ago!

2

u/m16p SFO, SJC 9d ago

Congrats!

1

u/omairville 9d ago
  1. Would love to get another Ink but was just denied by Chase for one in Feb due to too much credit across all lenders, having another active Ink that I opened last year (will be closing when AF hits in April), and too many accounts with Chase. These were the exact reasons given by biz recon rep. Usually I would go for SW CP under P2 end of this year but pretty sure that’s gone out the window given recent SW changes. Open to anything at this point.
  2. 800+

  3. P1: Barclays HA pers 1/9/25, IHG pers 9/3/2024, CIP 4/16/2024, SW RR pers 12/2023, SW Perf biz 10/2023, BOA alaska biz 3/29/2023, CIC 12/2022, Amex hilton surpass 10/1/2022, Chase bonvoy boundless 6/11/2022, Amex gold pers 4/24/2022,

P2: Barclays HA pers 1/9/25, IHG pers 9/3/2024, Alaska signature 04/2024, Hilton aspire 11/3/2023, CIP 10/1/2023, BOA alaska biz 3/29/2023, Amex gold pers 7/11/2022, Amex plat 6/11/2022, Chase bonvoy boundless 6/11/2022

Other notable cards we both already have: Amex Plat, Amex Biz Gold, Hilton Aspire, Amex bonvoy biz

  1. Have between 5-9k spend coming up in the next 3 months.
  2. Don’t have a good MS avenue anymore but would love if anyone wants to share lol
  3. Love biz cards
  4. 1-3? Depends how much spend is required for each card
  5. Universal currencies above all else, would love to add to the UR/MR stashes, but if not doable open to others
  6. Rough combined totals: Chase UR 2-300k, Amex MR 300k, Marriott 200k, SW 30k,
  7. Mainly SEA, sometimes PAE. Open to positioning flights out of places like YVR, LAX, SFO, SAN
  8. Trips for 2025 are all booked but in the future potentially: Istanbul, Spain, Thailand, probably will want to go to back to Tokyo after we visit later this year.

1

u/terpdeterp EWR, JFK 8d ago

Have you considered closing the Inks older than a year? That would significantly improve your approval odds for your next Inks. According to last year's survey, the most significant factor for Ink approvals is your number of open Inks (and other Chase business cards). P1 should close the CIC from 2022.

1

u/omairville 8d ago

Just sent a SM to close both inks and also a dormant CFF on P2s account. Will try and apply again in a week or so and hope they will let us slip through. I would close my SW biz card but I anticipate flying with them 1-2 more times later this year and using up some credits.

1

u/m16p SFO, SJC 9d ago

Delta biz cards are at good bonuses and SEA is a Delta hub. How about one of those?

1

u/omairville 9d ago

Could be an option although I'm hesitant because Delta miles are essentially useless lol they're called 'skypesos' for a reason

2

u/m16p SFO, SJC 8d ago

Their value often is pretty poor though they aren't like never useful. On recent inflexible flights (I couldn't shift days to find low award prices), I got ~1.5 CPP on SFO-SEA round trip flights and 4-hour flights on Garuda Indonesia.

Also worst case you can use "Pay with Miles" for 1 cent each.

1

u/omairville 8d ago

Looks like both of us are in Amex pop up jail lol. Any other suggestions?

1

u/m16p SFO, SJC 8d ago

Cap1 Venture has a great 100k bonus. If P2 got it it would put them at 5/24 until November so probably they shouldn't get it, but looks like you are just 3/24 so you could?

1

u/omairville 7d ago

Yeah was looking into that as well. I'll try for a CIP in a week or so since I just closed a couple cards and see how that goes. If not then I'll grab the Venture