Getting cards in my wife's name and how I will earn 140,000 Hilton points with one purchase

I have been actively collecting points and miles via new credit card signup bonuses for four years. In that time, I have opened and closed nearly two dozen accounts. That may not sound like many compared to other bloggers, but I never open cards when I can’t meet the spending requirement for the bonus with my normal purchases. However, I have reached the point where I currently hold or have recently closed most of the cards that interest me. The solution: begin applying for cards in my wife’s name! And, this week, I have an “opportunity” to earn the signup bonus on her latest card with a single purchase!

Credit CardsDerek CookJanuary 13, 2019American Express Hilton Honors Business Card, Hilton Honors, credit cards, signup bonus, points and miles, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred, 5/24 Rule

The long wait is over! I have the Chase Sapphire Reserve!

That was a long road, but I have finally reached the destination! Yesterday my shiny, new Chase Sapphire Reserve card arrived via UPS! Earlier this week I applied for and was instantly approved for what is perhaps the most popular points and miles card on the market. My excitement level was higher than normal given that I have been waiting to get this card since its debut in September 2016. The card has a $450 annual fee but great benefits. The question begging to be answered is simple: “Is the card worth such a high fee?”

Credit Cards, Points and MilesDerek CookMay 4, 2018Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Ultimate Rewards, 5/24 Rule, credit card rewards, credit cards

Evaluating my credit card portfolio - Chase

Since my pursuit of points and miles has resulted in many open credit card accounts, I recently began a top-to-bottom review of my overall credit card portfolio. In today's entry in the series covering this review, I will consider the Chase card products I hold.

Credit CardsDerek CookApril 3, 2018credit cards, Chase, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Chase IHG Rewards Mastercard, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Ink Business Preferred, Chase Freedom Unlimited, Chase British Airways Visa Signature card, 5/24 Rule

Approved for the Chase Ink Business Preferred card!

Until recently I was not eligible for most Chase credit cards due to the bank's 5/24 rule. Being back in compliance, I was recently approved for a Chase Ink Business Preferred card. The sign-up bonus of 80,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $5,000 in the first three months of card membership is very lucrative. On top of that, the travel and telecom spending categories ensure that this will be a card I will actually use in the future.

Points and Miles, Credit CardsDerek CookFebruary 2, 2018Chase Ultimate Rewards, Chase Ink Business Preferred, Chase, credit cards, signup bonus, small business credit cards, 5/24 Rule

Downgrading the Chase Sapphire Preferred to the Freedom Unlimited

Recently, Chase changed its rules and now prohibits a user from carrying more than one Sapphire card product. My wife wants to apply for the very attractive Chase Sapphire Reserve card so we decided to downgrade her current Chase Sapphire Preferred to the Chase Freedom Unlimited. The process was fairly simple and now she will be able to apply for the Sapphire Reserve product.

Credit Cards, Points and MilesDerek CookSeptember 17, 2017points and miles, Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Freedom Unlimited, Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, 5/24 Rule, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex EveryDay Preferred Card

American Express to become exclusive issuer of Hilton branded cards

Hilton is one one of a few hotel and airline companies that have agreements with multiple banks for affinity credit cards. Currently, both American Express and Citibank issue Hilton-branded cards, but that will soon change. Hilton announced this week that it would enter into an exclusive agreement with Amex.

Credit Cards, Loyalty Programs, PopularDerek CookJune 4, 2017Hilton hotels, Citibank, American Express Company, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase, 5/24 Rule, Hilton Honors