Things have slowed down even more since my last results post. The spending requirements on these cards were higher than the typical $3,000, making it harder to churn cards quickly. My husband is still under 5/24 so over the past year and a half, we’ve made our way through the portfolio of Chase cards. My goal is to get the Companion Pass for 2020 and 2021, so I can’t open any more personal cards until then. Here are our credit card applications and results for Winter 2018.
My Applications
Alaska Airlines Visa Business Card
Alaska Airline miles are one of my favorites to earn because of the free stopover rule. I try to open an Alaska business card every year or so to keep my balance up.
Annual fee: $75
Result: Pending then approved several days later
Bonus: 30,000 Alaska Airlines miles after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months
My Husband’s Applications
Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card
Unfortunately, the Chase World of Hyatt card is now subject to the 5/24 rule. We plan to stay at the Park Hyatt Paris next fall so this card was the easiest way to earn the points.
Annual fee: $95
Result: Instant approval
Bonus: 40,000 Hyatt points after spending $3,000 in 3 months and an additional 20,000 points after spending an additional $3,000 in 6 months
Chase United Explorer Business Card
I used to think United miles were one of the easiest to redeem, and I loved making use of the Excursionist Perk on our trip to Peru. I’m a little skeptical of the program moving forward since they switched to a dynamic pricing model, but that won’t stop me from earning as many United miles as I can from Chase.
Annual fee: $95, waived first year
Result: Pending, approved next day
Bonus: 75,000 United miles after spending $5,000 in 3 months
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t our busiest quarter for churning, but we’re at the point where we already have enough points and miles for our current travel needs. Any additional points are being stockpiled for the future. By taking this approach, next time we are ready to go on a vacation, we’ll have options since our balances are getting high among the major airlines and hotels.
