Announcing New Additions to My Family…

…of credit cards. I’ve mentioned before in this post that I don’t follow a 91-day churn rule.  I think  it’s more crucial for those who get 6-8 cards at one time, and we don’t fall in that category. However, I am very picky about what cards I get and at this time don’t settle for less than $350 in value, whether cash, miles or hotel points. I also try to apply for bonuses I can use within 3 years.

Since I met the minimum spend on the previous cards, it was time to get my app “on.” As always, I looked in my own list of bonuses, since I only recommend the cards I would apply for myself. You can see it for reference.

I REALLY wanted to apply for CITI Executive card with 100,000 miles bonus and $10,000 minimum spend in 3 months. I went back and forth whether I should get it or not. Ultimately, I decided to pass on that offer, since I would have to tie up $4,000 of money for a few months. Manufactured spending opportunities are scarce in my area and it would put a lot of stress on me. Also, I don’t feel comfortable with some m/s  methods, though don’t impose my views on others.

So, instead I applied for CITI AA Mastercard in my husband’s name. It comes with 50,000 miles upon approval after meeting a $3,000 minimum spending in 3 months, annual fee waived. It has been 21 months since he applied for his last AA card, so I felt we had a good shot of approval.  Result: Success!

I could still get another card in my name, and this is where it got tricky. I couldn’t apply for a CITI AA card since I just got one 9 months ago and reports on Flyertalk recommend a spacing of at least 18 months.

So, the choice came down to several cards with mileage bonuses. I dismissed Barclay’s,  since I just got approved for US Airways Mastercard a few months ago and my chances of getting another one of their offers would be slim. My targeted offer for Delta Amex was 35,000 miles and $50 statement credit, not enough to bite. Besides, I plan to apply for Amex SPG in the summer, and getting a Delta card could potentially hurt my chances.

So, the choice came down to US Bank Lifemiles Visa and BOA Virgin Atlantic offer. US bank doesn’t like to see a lot of recent inquiries, so I felt that my chance of approval wasn’t very good. Additionally, I’m holding out for Club Carlson Visa. I am seriously kicking myself for not trying for it while it paid me commission. Sigh…

So, Virgin Atlantic Mastercard it is. It comes with a 50,000-mile sign-up bonus after spending $2,500 in 3 months and adding 2 authorized users, $90 annual fee, not waived.

These miles can be used on Delta and Virgin America flights without paying fuel surcharges. The last one is  known for  very good award availability, a huge plus for a family. Also, I’m hoping to  visit Tahiti in 3 years by flying Air Tahiti Nui  from LAX to Papetee.

Virgin America has non-stop flights from Orlando to LAX that cost  25,000 miles roundtrip. If you happen to live on the West coast, some redemptions start at only 10,000 miles roundtrip, like Los Angeles-San Francisco route.  Result: Approved!

Well, I hope my reasoning helped  you with your own app-o-rama plans.

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