Results of Ken’s Recent Credit Card App-o-Rama

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We haven’t applied for any new credit cards since my app-o-rama back in late May.  This time, it was Ken’s turn to apply!

I had Ken apply for three cards, each with $3000 minimum spending required within three months.  Typically $9000 minimum spend in three months would be a bit aggressive for my tastes (since I’ve always been a bit hesitant to try manufactured spending), but I figured with the holidays coming up, it shouldn’t be that much of a stretch.

So, what cards did we opt for this time?

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Bonus: 40,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points after spending $3000 in three months.

Approval Details:  Received a “pending decision” message.  Ken called the reconsideration line later that evening.  Ken was approved for the Chase Sapphire Preferred after moving $12,000 worth of credit from a Chase Freedom card that had a $31,000 limit.  I must say it was one of the lengthiest reconsideration calls I’ve experienced in some time.  They verified pretty much every element of his application, and then put him on hold for probably 5-7 minutes on two separate occasions.  No big deal, though, it’s all worth it!

Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard

Bonus: 50,000 AAdvantage miles after spending $3000 in three months.

Approval Details: Instantly approved with a $15,500 credit limit

American Express Hilton HHonors Surpass Card

Bonus: 60,000 Hilton HHonors points after spending $3000 in three months.

Approval Details: Received a “pending decision” message.  However, within moments, I checked the application status page, and it stated the application had been approved with a $17,000 credit limit.  So there was no need to call the reconsideration line!

So, what do we plan on using these miles and points for?  No particular plans yet, but travel opportunities always arise to use them!  We’ll probably use many of the AAdvantage miles  (along with my AAdvantage balances) for first class or business class to Japan in the Spring of 2016.  Time to book those flights will be here before we know it!  

Hilton points are always valuable to me since there are so many Hilton’s all over the world, and they give out points like candy.  We’re staying at two Hilton properties (5 nights total) in the Florida Keys soon. It’s all free thanks to points.

And it’s always valuable to have Chase Ultimate Rewards points in the bank!  I’m thinking of a long weekend trip to Chicago in the spring or next fall, and there are several lovely Hyatt properties that we can stay at by transferring some Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Have you applied for any new cards recently?